Arborist Tree Report Services Sydney – Tree Reports, DA Tree Reports & Tree Removal Reports in Sydney, Southern Highlands & NSW

Canopy Tree’s AQF 5 consultants are here to assess your trees, whether for tree health and condition, habitat, Development applications or represent you in the land and environment court over tree disputes. We have the experience and know-how to tackle all your requirements when you need a consulting arborist.

Many councils require an arborist report to accompany tree removal applications or a Development Application (DA), nowadays.

An Arboricultural assessment report is a vital and credible component in applying for a tree permit, for tree removal and submitting a development application to build on a site which contains trees that must be retained or removed, as part of the consent from the council.

In producing the reports listed below, we will save you time, money, and stress, giving you the time to concentrate on the more enjoyable side of the project in hand. The considered impartial testimony of our professional consultants will give your application credibility.

Our consultant Arborists can supply Arboricultural Assessment reports for you with guidance from AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on building sites.

  • Tree health and structure
  • Tree hazard and risk assessment
  • Development Applications (DA) small and large sites
  • Tree pest & disease identification
  • Tree reports for Council
  • Tree management plans
  • Proactive tree maintenance plans
  • Small and large site tree surveys
  • Tree climbing Inspections
  • Tree disputes (Professional Witness, Land and Environment Court)
  • Heritage impact statements regarding trees and significance
  • Consultation and advice regarding how to best conserve your tree asset long term
  • Site Arborist inspections and reports for the management of trees before during and after project completion
  • Compliant certification for projects
  • Pre development tree surveys
  • School Surveys and reports

Before approaching a draftsman or architect, you should have a consulting arborist assess all the trees on your site, as well as any trees located on neighbouring properties and council road reserves.

Our consultants will gather data on tree health, structure, species, size, retention value, and calculate tree protection zones. This information is given to the architect to aid them in designing around any known constraints. Pre-development tree surveys are an essential step in the application process and will help you reach your end goal sooner, saving you money along the way.

COMPREHENSIVE TREE REPORTS FOR COUNCIL PERMIT APPLICATION

Once you have plans drawn for a proposed land development, our consultants will work with you to prepare an arborist report based on the proposed development application. This type of report will outline tree health, structure, species, size and planned retention or removal. It will also contain information on how any retained trees will be protected during the development to satisfy the local council.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACT TREE REPORTS

Construction impact reports are prepared following a request for further information from the council once an application has been submitted. Usually, when this happens, it’s because an arborist report was not submitted along with the initial application; however, it may be because the council rejected the initial application that included the removal of significant trees. For the latter, our consultants will work with you to help alter proposed plans to satisfy council requirements.

PROJECT ARBORIST SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION

During construction, an arborist may be required to oversee works near retained trees or make further recommendations as the project evolves. Some permits may include clauses relating to trees where a project arborist is to sign off at various stages, be contactable, be present during excavation and/or further assess the tree/s after construction. Contact us to discuss our services and pricing.

VERBAL ARBORIST REPORT CONSULTATION

Many domestic clients like to have an arborist assess their trees for many different reasons, such as:

  • They may be worried about branch failure
  • Tree roots affecting structures
  • The impact of a neighbour’s tree/s on their property, or
  • They may simply like to know what species of tree they have and how best to care for it

In some of these cases, a report may not be necessary, and the owner may only wish to have a verbal consultation.

TREE AUDIT REPORTS FOR SCHOOLS

Schools have a growing responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all children, staff, and all who use the school grounds. It is now a requirement that trees on school property be assessed for potential hazard and risk, to minimise the likelihood of a tree causing harm to people and school infrastructure, every 12 months.

This means an AQF 5 arborist with the appropriate risk qualifications for assessing trees is required to tag each tree, record height, DBH, canopy span(N, E, S, W) assess the structure and vitality of the tree and provide a risk rating. Any defects noticed, such as failed branches, deadwood, cracks, fungus, hanging branches, bulges, construction damage, damage from tree on infrastructure, etc, must be recorded. Recommendations are given in the final report along with a spreadsheet from the survey.

We have experience in this field and are willing and able to help your school meet these new and developing requirements. We also use GPS technology to assist with a more exact location of each tree.

This means your school has access to your tree inventory at the touch of a button, rather than having to read through endless pages of the written report in pdf format, so often provided these days. This technology can also be used in the classroom for educational purposes, in identifying and learning about trees, so your children have a better understanding of their environment.

Please call 0410 681 164 or contact us using the contact form below to find out more.

Tree Hazard & Risk Assessment
Tree Hazard & Risk Assessment

Pest and Disease
Pest & Disease Identification

tree reports
Development Applications - Small and Large Sites


Arboricultural-Association

Booking Form For Tree Reports




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    FAQs

    Q1: What is an arborist report?
    A1: An arborist report is a written assessment by a certified arborist that outlines the health, structure, and condition of a tree or group of trees. It includes findings on pests, disease, damage, or hazards and provides professional recommendations for pruning, remediation, or removal. If you're based in Sydney, this report is often required for council submissions or development approvals.

     

    Q2: Who needs an arborist report?
    A2: Arborist reports are typically needed by homeowners, developers, real estate agents, property managers, and local councils. If you're planning tree removal or construction work near trees in Sydney, your local council may require a compliant arborist report before approving.

     

    Q3: Do I need an arborist report for council approval?
    A3: Yes. Most Sydney councils request an arborist report when reviewing applications for tree removal, pruning, or development. A properly prepared report provides the technical detail councils require and can significantly streamline the approval process.

     

    Q4: What is a tree inspection or tree assessment, and how does it relate to an arborist report?
    A4: A tree inspection or assessment is the on-site evaluation of a tree's health, stability, and overall condition. A qualified arborist checks for disease, structural defects, pests, or risks, then compiles the findings into the arborist report. This report becomes a formal record that can be submitted to council or used for private planning.

     

    Q5: How long does it take to receive an arborist report?
    A5: For most properties in Sydney, once we’ve completed the site visit, we can deliver your arborist report within a few business days. Larger or more complex sites may take longer, depending on how many trees are involved and the level of detail required.

     

    Q6: Can an arborist report help with pest or disease issues?
    A6: Absolutely. An arborist report will identify signs of pest infestation or disease in your trees and include treatment recommendations. Early diagnosis can prevent further damage and protect surrounding vegetation.

     

    Q7: Can an arborist report identify if my tree is protected?
    A7: Yes. Arborist reports include tree species identification, which helps determine whether a tree is protected under Sydney’s Tree Preservation Orders or state regulations. If a tree is protected, we can guide you through the compliance process.

     

    Q8: Can an arborist report address safety concerns?
    A8: Yes. If you’re worried about falling branches, leaning trees, or root instability, an arborist report can assess those risks. The report outlines potential hazards and suggests steps such as pruning, cabling, or removal to improve safety.

     

    Q9: How do I keep my trees healthy over time?
    A9: Regular tree inspections and maintenance by a qualified arborist are the best way to support long-term health. An arborist report can act as a care guide, outlining any treatments needed now and providing a plan for ongoing care.

     

    Q10: Do I need an arborist report for development applications in Sydney?
    A10: In most cases, yes. For any Development Application (DA) involving trees, Sydney councils typically require an arborist report that complies with AS 4970-2009. These reports assess root protection zones, tree health, and construction impacts to help meet council conditions and avoid project delays.