Is your Australian home surrounded by lush greenery? Chances are, you want to keep your landscape looking as green, luscious, and healthy as possible. So, you’re ready to prune those branches and maybe remove that big, old gum tree on your property?
The thing is, even though the tree might be on your property, it’s not always entirely up to you whether or not to remove it. Tree removal is regulated in Australia. In most cases, you must obtain approval from your local council to remove a tree. This is where arborist reports come into the picture.
What is an arborist report?
It’s a type of document that provides valuable information about the health and condition of the specific tree(s). This in-depth report includes important details about the tree(s) like size, condition, location and the reason for removal. This reports may vary in content, length, and detail but aim for the same objective and that is assisting the council in its decision-making process.
Furthermore, professional arborist reports should be easy to understand and tailored to your specific requirements – they should offer you clarity and peace of mind in your tree management decisions. It should be emphasised that arborist report is a term often used interchangeably with tree consulting, but there are key differences between these two.
An arborist tree report is an official and detailed tree report document that can be used for council applications and other official processes. On the other hand, tree inspection is a process of examining your trees but without the official report to accompany it.
Getting an arborist report is relatively easy, given in mind the number of experts that can be found all across Australia. Qualified arborists can be found through Arboriculture Australia and general internet searches. Also, you can ask your local council for advice on where to look for certified arborists in your area.
When do you need one?
As already mentioned, if you’re planning to remove a tree on your property, before firing up a chainsaw it’s important to give a good (and approved) reason to the council for removal. Dropping leaves or blocking drains may not be good excuses. In general, trees that are fallen, dead, infested with pests, dangerous or pose a fire hazard, can be approved for removal.
Also, the arborist reports are often required when starting new construction projects, both residential and commercial. Whether building a small office or a large apartment complex, your construction project may need an arborist’s report before breaking ground. In this instance, the report needs to include the location and condition of the tree(s) on the construction site and a detailed plan for preservation and retention.
Next, arborist consulting is often required when tearing down existing buildings. In this case, a certified arborist needs to evaluate the condition and location of existing trees on the property. The report should include a detailed tree report, a tree protection and replanting plan. These are just general instances where you may need to obtain permission to cut down a tree.
The specifics will vary depending on where you live. Keep in mind that laws and regulations vary from one state to another in Australia. VIC, NSW, QLD and others have unique tree removal laws. This is due to the diverse environmental conditions and priorities of each state. Even within a state, local councils might have specific guidelines in terms of tree management. This is why it’s important to check if you need to obtain approval from your local council.
After learning about the legislation in your area, if you’re still unsure about what to do, it’s always a good idea to speak to a professional arborist. To streamline the whole process, you can hire a qualified arborist to provide an arborist report. They’re familiar with the bylaws and can ensure that your building plan is compliant with the local bylaws.
Who writes arborist reports?
An arborist report is a document prepared by a Level 5 arborist. An arborist with level 5 qualifications and experience has reached the greatest possible degree of qualification and experience in the field. They are highly knowledgeable and qualified in terms of tree-related jobs. As tree experts, they can determine whether it’s best to remove or not.
Keep in mind that not all arborists hold a Level 5 diploma. Therefore, to reduce the amount of time it takes to process an application, it’s important to choose a competent arborist who is familiar with the particular regulations.
Although costs may vary from one place to another in Australia, a typical arborist report can cost between $300 – $500 per project.
This will depend on the number of trees that need to be removed, their location, age, height and the logistics required. Another factor that can greatly influence the pricing of these services is the access from the main road to the trees. While some arborists bill by the hour, others may have a fixed fee.
