Trees are a treasured component of any landscape, and supply beauty, shade, and environmental advantages. Nevertheless, in some cases, professional assessment is necessary, especially when it comes to removing trees, building, or council requirements. That’s where an arborist report plays a crucial role.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what an arborist report is, when you need one, what’s included, and how it supports property owners, developers, and councils in making informed tree-related decisions.
What is an Arborist Report?
An arborist report is an in-depth written document created by a certified and qualified arborist. It encompasses expert examination of the health, structure, danger and environmental worth of a tree. Local councils usually seek arborist reports prior to granting tree removal or development applications.
Depending on the purpose, an arborist report may include:
- Tree species and condition
- Tree health and structural integrity
- Risk of failure or hazards
- Impact on surrounding structures or ecosystems
- Recommendations (retention, pruning, or removal)
- Compliance with local regulations and tree protection laws
When Do You Need an Arborist Report?
Many councils and planning authorities require an arborist report before granting permission for:
- Tree removal on private or public property
- Development or construction near trees
- Heritage or significant trees under protection
- Disputes with neighbours involving trees
- Assessing storm-damaged or dangerous trees
If you are unsure whether a report is needed, it’s always safer to consult a certified arborist before taking any action.
Why Are Arborist Reports Important?
There are several important reasons to obtain a professional arborist report:
1. Council Approval
A majority of councils demand a formal tree inspection prior to granting removal or pruning. Application gets quicker when a well-prepared arborist report is submitted and penalties are avoided.
2. Tree Health & Risk Assessment
Reports help assess the overall health and safety of trees, including disease, decay, or structural instability that may not be visible externally.
3. Development Planning
During building or landscaping projects, reports help ensure trees are not damaged or improperly removed, keeping the project legally compliant.
4. Legal Protection
In neighbour-to-neighbour or boundary disputes, a report by a certified arborist is an independent document that can be accepted in council or court.
Who Can Write an Arborist Report?
Professional reports accepted by councils can be provided only by a qualified and experienced arborist (usually AQF Level 5 in Australia). At Treelife, our certified arborists are qualified with all the local and industry regulations and have wide experiences in reporting both simple and complicated cases of trees.
What’s Included in a Treelife Arborist Report?
Every arborist report from Treelife is clear, detailed, and tailored to your property and council requirements. Our reports typically include:
- Tree identification (species, size, location)
- Tree condition, structure, and vitality
- Defects or signs of decay
- Photos and tree location maps
- Recommendations for retention, treatment, or removal
- Guidance for safe and lawful tree management
- Council-compliant formatting
Do You Need an Arborist Report? We Can Help
When you need to remove a tree, get a development permit, or decide on a tree-related dispute, our team at Treelife can assist you with a quick, compliant, and cost-effective arborist reporting.
Whether it’s a single tree or multiple assessments across a large property, our team offers:
- Council-compliant reports
- Quick turnaround
- Affordable pricing
- Expert advice and support
Conclusion
A professional arborist report is not simply a document, it is a tool that is necessary to create safe, responsible and legal tree care. A report gives clarity, compliance, and peace of mind whether you are managing a privately owned property, designing a construction project, or reacting to council requirements.
If you need help with an arborist report or have questions about your trees, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does an arborist report cost?
It depends on the size and complexity of the property but most begin at 250-450+ depending on the number of trees and needed documents.
How long does it take to get a report?
Most reports are delivered within 2–5 business days after inspection.
Will the arborist handle the council permit too?
We can assist you in the application process, including preparing and submitting the necessary documents to your local council.
What if the council rejects my application?
A thorough and professionally written arborist report greatly increases your chance of approval. If needed, we can revise or provide further documentation.
Need an Arborist Report? Get in Touch
📞 Call us: 0404 348 823
📧 Email: admin@treelife.com.au
🌐 Visit: https://treelife.com.au/
We are here to guide you through informed, legal, and environmental friendly tree decisions.
