An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is required by your local council to approve significant building or development works on your property. This report evaluates the trees within your property boundary and on neighbouring properties if the trees are within close proximity to the development works, and flags individual trees for retention, pruning or removal.

Your architect or builder can then finalise plans around trees to be retained.

A Tree Health and Condition Assessment is sometimes required by council to approve tree removal or significant tree pruning works. This report is a comprehensive evaluation of the tree to identify any current hazards and determine a risk rating for the tree. The arborist will thoroughly assess the condition and safety of the tree considering such factors as:

• tree species
• structural defects
• past mistreatments
• soil condition
• proximity to power lines
• proximity to houses and other structures
• disease
• pests
• decay
• exposure and prevailing winds

A tree management plan is developed for public areas such as parks, schools, sporting facilities and commercial properties. The objective is to retain mature and significant trees, whilst reducing risks to the public. Management strategies are developed and put into place which may include:

• pruning
• cabling
• bracing
• treatment of pests and diseases
• soil conditioning
• removal of trees which pose an unacceptable risk
• alteration or repurposing the surrounding area to reduce safety risks

An effective tree management plan helps keep the community safe, whilst protecting the beauty of our natural environment for future generations to enjoy.