Fantastic job! Our trees look beautiful and well-maintained. The team was efficient and knowledgeable. Will use their services again!
Emily R.
What is an Arborist Report?
An arborist report is a professional assessment of a tree’s species, size, health, structure, Useful Life Expectancy (ULE), and potential hazards. These reports are commonly required by local councils for tree removal permits, including in many cases for dead or hazardous trees, as well as for building approvals and planning applications.
Arborist reports are typically requested during commercial tree services where construction, excavation, or vegetation removal may affect regulated trees. They are also used to support planning submissions, document tree risk, and establish protection requirements during development.
In Victoria, planning schemes and vegetation controls may require supporting documentation before approval is granted for tree removal, tree pruning, or development works affecting protected vegetation. Guidance on native vegetation and tree removal requirements is outlined by the Victorian Government through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Learn more here.
Arborist reports prepared by Bay Tree Services are used to:
- Support planning permit and building permit applications
- Assess development impacts on existing trees
- Establish Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and protection measures
- Document tree condition, decline, or structural defects
- Provide evidence for council compliance and decision-making
When Do You Need An Arborist Report?
Councils commonly require arborist reports for tree removal, site development, pool installations, or any construction work near protected vegetation. Arborist reports are also frequently requested for subdivision applications, building permits, insurance claims following storm damage, or disputes where a neighbouring tree presents a potential risk.
For development projects, early-stage reports such as Preliminary Arboricultural Assessments (PAA) help guide site planning decisions, identify trees suitable for retention, and assess development constraints before detailed design work begins.
Councils may also require arborist reports where construction is proposed within a Tree Protection Zone or where vegetation overlays apply.
Bay Tree Services is often engaged early in the planning process to identify tree-related constraints and provide documentation required for permit applications.
Cost and Timeline
The cost of an arborist report typically ranges from $500–$700 for standard residential or small commercial assessments in Melbourne, depending on variables like the number of trees, site access, development complexity, and council documentation requirements. Simple residential assessments are typically less complex than development or infrastructure-related reports, which may involve detailed mapping, staged reporting, or construction-phase supervision.
Most arborist reports can be prepared within standard project timeframes once site access and relevant documentation are available. Timeframes may vary depending on site access, documentation availability, council requirements, and overall project complexity.
Engaging an arborist early in the process can help reduce delays associated with planning or permit applications. Bay Tree Services provides written quotations after reviewing the project scope and reporting requirements.
Why Choose Bay Tree Services?
Bay Tree Services prepares arborist reports specifically for regulatory, planning, and construction compliance. Our reporting focuses on clear technical assessment, recognised arboricultural methodology, and practical recommendations that councils, planners, and project teams can use when assessing development proposals.
Bay Tree Services provides:
- AQF Level 5+ qualified consulting arborists
- Arborist reports prepared using recognised industry methods
- Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) calculations and documentation
- Development-stage arboricultural advice
- Construction-phase project arborist services
- Reporting aligned with Australian Standard AS 4970 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites
The Australian Standard AS 4970 establishes the framework used to assess and protect trees during development and construction activities, including guidance on Tree Protection Zones, root protection, and allowable site works.
What our customers say
Thorough and professional arborist report. Provided clear insights and great advice.
The crew was professional and our trees have never looked better. Very satisfied with the results.
Types of Arborist Reports We Provide
| Report Type | Best For | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (Visual Assessment) | Basic removal permits, disputes | Tree condition assessment, hazard identification, removal recommendations |
| Level 3 (Detailed Assessment) | Development or structural concern | Detailed structural assessment and diagnostic investigation where required |
| Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment (PAA) | Pre-development planning | Tree condition and site planning constraints |
| Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) | Development design and approvals | Development conflicts, ULE evaluation, management recommendations |
| Tree Management and Protection Plan (TMPP) | Construction compliance | Tree Protection Zone requirements and protection measures |
| Tree Risk Assessment | Insurance claims, neighbour disputes | Hazard identification and risk rating |
| Tree Survey and Inventory | Developments and asset management | Tree mapping and condition data |
What’s Included?
Every arborist report prepared by Bay Tree Services includes structured technical information required for council or planning review.
Typical report components include:
- Tree identification and species classification
- Tree height, canopy spread, and trunk diameter measurements
- Structural condition and defect assessment
- Useful Life Expectancy (ULE) evaluation
- Risk assessment and hazard classification
- Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) calculations where required
- Development impact assessment
- Management recommendations
Reports may also include:
- Site photographs
- Tree location plans or survey integration
- Development overlay assessment
- Construction protection requirements
- Ongoing project arborist recommendations where required
For large developments, Bay Tree Services can provide GPS or GIS-based tree inventories and staged arborist reporting during construction.
How to Get Started
Before arranging an arborist report, it helps to ensure safe site access and provide any relevant council correspondence, building plans, or development drawings. Identifying known concerns, such as structural defects, declining trees, or construction conflicts, can also assist the assessment process.
Once engaged, Bay Tree Services will inspect the site, assess tree condition, and prepare the required documentation to support permit or planning requirements. Where necessary, ongoing project arborist services can be provided during construction to monitor tree protection compliance.
After the site inspection, the report is prepared and provided to the client or project team for submission to council or planning authorities. Councils then assess the documentation as part of the planning permit, building permit, or development approval process.
While an arborist report supports decision-making, final approval for tree removal or development works is always determined by the relevant council or planning authority.
Also see our full range of commercial tree services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an arborist report valid?
There is no fixed expiry period for arborist reports. Most councils require reports to reflect current site conditions and may request updated documentation if circumstances change or if significant time has passed since the original assessment.
Factors that may affect validity include changes in tree condition, storm damage, site disturbance, development delays, or updated council planning requirements. Bay Tree Services can revise or update reports where needed so the documentation reflects current site conditions at the time of submission.
Can I remove a tree without an arborist report?
Whether an arborist report is required depends on local planning controls, vegetation overlays, and tree characteristics such as height, trunk diameter, canopy spread, and location on the property.
In many Victorian municipalities, removing a protected tree without approval may result in fines, enforcement action, or refusal of related permit applications. Arborist reports are commonly required where planning permits are needed for vegetation removal or where a council needs technical justification for pruning or removal works. Bay Tree Services can assess site conditions and identify whether arborist documentation is likely to be required before work begins.
Do you prepare reports for building permits or development approvals?
Yes. Bay Tree Services prepares arborist reports for residential construction, extensions, subdivisions, and commercial development projects where trees may be affected by proposed works.
These reports are commonly used to support planning or building permit applications, identify development impacts on existing trees, establish Tree Protection Zones, and document recommendations relating to tree retention, pruning, removal, and protection measures. Where permit conditions require arboricultural involvement during construction, Bay Tree Services can also provide project arborist services to monitor compliance on site.
What is a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)?
A Tree Protection Zone is the calculated area surrounding a tree that must be protected to maintain long-term tree health and structural stability.
Construction works within this area, including excavation, trenching, vehicle movement, fill, spoil stockpiling, or storage of materials, can damage roots and compromise tree health. Councils and planning authorities may require arborist reports where development is proposed within a Tree Protection Zone. TPZs are calculated using recognised arboricultural methods and documented as part of the arborist report so project teams understand the extent of required tree protection measures.
Do arborist reports guarantee council approval?
No. Arborist reports provide professional assessment and recommendations based on site conditions, tree condition, and planning requirements, but approval decisions are made by the relevant council or planning authority.
The purpose of the report is to provide technical information that supports informed decision-making during the permit or planning process. Bay Tree Services prepares reports to assist councils, planners, builders, and property owners with clear arboricultural documentation, but the final outcome remains subject to the relevant authority’s assessment.
Are your reports compliant with Clause 52.37 for canopy tree permits?
Yes, Bay Tree Services’ reports comply with Clause 52.37 of Victorian planning schemes, which relates to canopy tree removal permits in designated planning areas. Reports prepared by Bay Tree Services document tree condition, retention alternatives, and arboricultural justification in accordance with the information typically required by councils when assessing canopy tree removal applications.
Need An Arborist Report?
Call Bay Tree Services on 0397051236, and our team will be on the way.