Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Do I need an arborist report to remove a tree in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Many Sydney councils protect trees above certain sizes under Tree Preservation Orders or Development Control Plans. You may need an arborist report to support a removal or pruning application, depending on the council, species, size, and condition of the tree.

Question 2

What's the difference between a tree report and an arboricultural impact assessment?

Accepted Answer

A standard tree report typically assesses individual trees for removal, pruning, risk, or council matters. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is broader and evaluates how proposed development may affect trees on and around a site, including Tree Protection Zones, encroachment, retention, protection, or removal recommendations.

Question 3

Which Sydney councils do you prepare arborist reports for?

Accepted Answer

We prepare arborist reports for Sydney metropolitan council contexts including City of Sydney, North Sydney, Willoughby, Lane Cove, Ryde, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Ku-ring-gai, Northern Beaches, Inner West, Canada Bay, Parramatta, The Hills, Hornsby, and surrounding local government areas.

Question 4

How long does it take to get a council tree report?

Accepted Answer

Standard council tree reports are commonly completed within 3-5 business days from the site inspection. Complex reports involving multiple trees, large sites, or development applications can take longer. Timing is confirmed when your scope is quoted.

Question 5

What information do you need to prepare a quote for an arborist report?

Accepted Answer

To quote accurately, we need the property address, number of trees requiring assessment, the report purpose, your local council if relevant, deadlines, and any specific concerns. Photos and plans are helpful for development-related reports.

Question 6

How much does an arborist report cost in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Arborist report costs vary depending on report type, number of trees, site complexity, and turnaround time. We provide fixed quotes before commencing work so the scope and fee are clear.

Question 7

Do you charge for site inspections or quotes?

Accepted Answer

For standard quote requests, we do not charge a separate fee for the initial discussion and quote preparation. The site inspection is included in the quoted report fee once you proceed.

Question 8

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept bank transfer, credit card, and cash payments. We provide tax invoices with payments for your records.

Question 9

Is there a discount for multiple trees or large projects?

Accepted Answer

We can provide more economical pricing for multiple trees on the same site or larger ongoing project scopes because inspection and reporting efficiencies can reduce the per-tree cost.

Question 10

What is a tree risk assessment and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A tree risk assessment evaluates whether a tree may pose a safety hazard by considering tree condition, likely failure modes, targets, occupancy, consequences, and practical management options. It is useful after storm damage, where defects are visible, for property purchase due diligence, or where duty-of-care documentation is needed.

Question 11

How are tree risk assessments structured?

Accepted Answer

A professional risk assessment follows a systematic review of tree condition, site use, targets, likelihood, consequence, and management options. The structure is matched to the site and the level of evidence required.

Question 12

How often should trees be assessed for risk?

Accepted Answer

Inspection frequency depends on the tree condition, species, location, surrounding use, and previous findings. High-traffic sites may need regular review, while residential trees in good condition may only need periodic assessment or review after storms, defects, or nearby construction.

Question 13

Can tree risk assessment reports support insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

Tree risk assessment reports can be scoped for insurance, property-management, council, or dispute contexts where professional arboricultural documentation is required.

Question 14

What is sonic tomography and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Sonic tomography is a diagnostic technique that creates cross-sectional images of a tree's internal structure by measuring sound travel times through wood. Sound travels differently through solid, decayed, or hollow areas, helping indicate internal condition.

Question 15

What's the difference between sonic tomography and resistograph testing?

Accepted Answer

Sonic tomography gives a cross-sectional view at a chosen height. Resistograph testing uses a fine drill to measure wood resistance along a specific path. The methods can be used together when a decision needs more detailed internal condition evidence.

Question 16

When is advanced tree testing recommended instead of visual assessment?

Accepted Answer

Advanced testing is recommended when visual inspection is inconclusive and the decision depends on internal condition evidence, such as significant trees, trees near high-value targets, post-storm concerns, or development decisions involving tree retention.

Question 17

What arborist documentation do I need for a development application?

Accepted Answer

Many Sydney councils require an Arboricultural Impact Assessment for development applications where trees exist on or near the site. If trees are retained, a Tree Protection Plan may also be required at DA stage or as a condition before construction begins.

Question 18

What is a Tree Protection Zone and why does it matter for my development?

Accepted Answer

The Tree Protection Zone is the area around a tree that should be protected to support tree health during construction. It is calculated under the current AS 4970:2025 tree-protection standard where applicable and helps councils and project teams understand encroachment and likely tree viability.

Question 19

Do tree protection plans include construction monitoring or project arborist support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tree protection plan scopes can include pre-construction meetings, tree protection setup checks, compliance inspections, supervision of sensitive works, assessment of tree impacts, and documentation for consent milestones.

Question 20

My DA was refused because of tree issues - can you help?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. We can review the tree-related issues raised, inspect the site, and prepare arboricultural documentation that responds to council concerns where a practical pathway is available.

Question 21

What areas of Sydney do you service?

Accepted Answer

We provide arboricultural consulting services throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, including North Shore, Northern Beaches, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Hills District, Ryde, Parramatta, and surrounding regions. Our office is based in Ryde.

Question 22

What qualifications do your arborists have?

Accepted Answer

Our consulting arborists hold AQF Level 5 qualifications used for consulting arborist work and report preparation. With 10+ years of Sydney experience, we combine technical knowledge with practical local context.

Question 23

Do you remove or prune trees, or just provide reports?

Accepted Answer

We are consulting arborists, which means we provide assessments, reports, and expert advice rather than tree removal or pruning services. This keeps our consulting advice independent from operational tree work.

Question 24

How do I book a site inspection?

Accepted Answer

Contact us by phone on 0414 923 005 or through our website contact form. Let us know the property address, what you need assessed, and any relevant deadlines so we can quote and arrange a suitable inspection time.

Question 25

What happens after the site inspection?

Accepted Answer

After the inspection, we prepare your report, usually within the timeframe quoted for your scope. You'll receive a PDF document with tree details, assessment findings, photographs, and clear recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arborist Reports & Council Requirements

Costs & Pricing

Tree Risk Assessments

Tree Structure Testing & Diagnostics

Development Applications & Construction

Working with Sydney Arborist Solutions

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