Arborist Reports for Council Applications

Arbor Inisght’s preliminary and impact reports for council submission are in accordance with AS 4970 2009 - Preservation of Trees on Development Sites.

We have a thorough understanding of how the Australian Standard, and local councils, require trees to be considered and protected in the design and construction stage of development. We also understand that trees can be a constraint on desired floor plans and can find the right balance in accepting the unviable circumstances of these trees.

"We are good at branching out and facilitating consultation between the design team, client, and arborist to create solutions to ensure a successful planning application."

Preliminary Report -

Before drawing designs for development, getting an arborist in to collect preliminary data is beneficial and cost-effective.

Important information about the trees on a property is collected and collated into a tree inventory set; including information on tree species and dimensions, health and structural conditions, tree protection (TPZ) and structural root zone (SRZ) radius’, and most importantly tree retention values.

With this information, the design team can make good decisions that effectively incorporate features and avoid costly constraints throughout the planning and design process.

Impact Assessment Report -

An arborist impact report is a detailed assessment prepared by a tree expert that evaluates the potential impact of a proposed project on trees and vegetation in a specific area/site.

If preliminary data was not captured prior to design, then the report will include information about the existing trees, in addition to the potential impact of the project on them.

In accordance with AS 4970 2009, it also provides recommendations for tree preservation, mitigation measures, or alternative strategies to minimize the impact on trees during construction or development activities.

An arborist impact report aims to ensure informed decision-making and promote the preservation and protection of trees in the project planning stage to ensure a successful council application submission.

Construction TMP -

In the context of property development, a tree management plan (TMP) is imperative as it focuses on integrating tree conservation and management practices into the construction stage.

Arbor Insight integrates tree management within the impact report itself and provides a companion tree map using the latest design software. Our tree management plan includes:

1 Tree Protection (TPZ) & Structural Root (SRZ) Zones;

2 Clear drawings and tables to indicate tree retention, removal, and TPZ compensation;

3 Pruning, monitoring, and maintenance guidelines

By incorporating a tree management plan into our property development reports, our clients can balance their construction goals with the preservation and integration of valuable trees, ensuring the long-term sustainability, environmental benefits, and aesthetic value of the property.

Defendable Space -

Arbor Insight has an extensive working knowledge of the Bushfire Planning Scheme 53.02 that applies to properties with a bushfire management overlay (BMO).

We can advise our clients on how to plan for and achieve clearance requirements relating to vegetation on property development, subject to a BMO, seeking council planning approval.

To streamline the process, we can incorporate this information into an arborist impact report and collaborate with designers to create a safe design and successful application.