Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Most Sydney councils protect trees above certain sizes (typically 3-5 metres in height or with trunks over 100-200mm diameter) under Tree Preservation Orders or Development Control Plans. You'll generally need an arborist report to support your application for removal. The report assesses the tree's condition, identifies any hazards or issues, and provides professional justification for removal. Without a proper report, council is likely to refuse your application or request additional information—delaying your project.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

A standard tree report (or council tree report) typically assesses individual trees for removal permits or pruning applications, focusing on tree condition, health, and reasons for the proposed works. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is more comprehensive—it evaluates how proposed development will affect all trees on and around a site, calculates Tree Protection Zones, assesses encroachment impacts, and provides recommendations for tree retention, protection during construction, or justified removal. AIAs are usually required for development applications (DAs), while tree reports are used for standalone tree works applications.

Question 3

Which Sydney councils accept your arborist reports?

Accepted Answer

Our arborist reports are prepared by AQF Level 5 qualified consulting arborists and are accepted by all Sydney metropolitan councils, 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 all surrounding local government areas. We format reports to meet each council's specific requirements.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Standard council tree reports are typically completed within 3-5 business days from the site inspection. More complex reports (multiple trees, large sites, or development applications) may take 5-10 business days. If you have an urgent deadline, let us know—we can often accommodate rush requests. The site inspection itself usually takes 30-60 minutes depending on the number of trees and complexity of the assessment.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

To provide an accurate quote, we need: the property address; the number of trees requiring assessment; the purpose of the report (tree removal, pruning, development application, etc.); your local council; and any specific concerns or requirements. Photos of the trees are helpful but not essential—we'll see them at the site inspection. For development applications, we'll also need your proposed plans showing the building footprint and any excavation areas.

Question 6

How much does an arborist report cost in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Arborist report costs vary depending on the type of report, number of trees, and complexity. As a guide: simple single-tree council reports typically start from $300-$500; multi-tree assessments are priced per tree; Arboricultural Impact Assessments for development applications range from $600-$2,000+ depending on site complexity; and Tree Protection Plans are typically $500-$1,500. We provide fixed quotes before commencing work—no hidden fees or surprises. Contact us with your specific requirements for an accurate quote.

Question 7

Do you charge for site inspections or quotes?

Accepted Answer

For standard quote requests, we don't charge a separate fee for the initial discussion and quote preparation. The site inspection is included in the report fee once you proceed. For very large or complex sites where significant time is required for quoting (such as major developments with dozens of trees), we may discuss a nominal fee which is then credited against the report if you proceed. We'll always be upfront about any costs before you commit to anything.

Question 8

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept bank transfer, credit card, and cash payments. For most residential clients, payment is due on completion and delivery of the report. For larger commercial projects or ongoing work, we can discuss payment terms. We provide tax invoices with all payments for your records.

Question 9

Is there a discount for multiple trees or large projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer volume pricing for assessments involving multiple trees. The per-tree cost decreases as the number of trees increases, reflecting the efficiencies of assessing multiple trees on the same site visit. For large development projects or ongoing relationships (such as strata management or commercial property portfolios), we're happy to discuss tailored pricing arrangements. Contact us with your project details for a custom quote.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

A tree risk assessment systematically evaluates whether a tree poses a safety hazard by assessing the likelihood of failure and potential consequences. You should consider one if: you're concerned about a tree's stability after storm damage; you've noticed cracks, decay, or leaning; you're buying a property with large trees; your insurer or council has requested one; or you manage a commercial property, school, or public space where duty of care applies. The assessment provides clear risk ratings and practical recommendations.

Question 11

What's the difference between QTRA and TRAQ assessments?

Accepted Answer

QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) and TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) are both internationally recognised methodologies for evaluating tree risk. QTRA calculates numerical risk ratings by assigning values to failure likelihood, impact potential, and target occupancy—resulting in specific 'risk of harm' figures. TRAQ uses a systematic framework to classify risk as low, moderate, high, or extreme. Both are accepted by councils, insurers, and courts. We're qualified in both and recommend the most appropriate method for your situation—QTRA is often preferred for insurance and legal matters where quantified data is valuable.

Question 12

How often should trees be assessed for risk?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the tree's condition, species, location, and use of the surrounding area. For trees in high-traffic areas (schools, commercial properties, footpaths), annual assessments are recommended. For residential trees in good condition, every 3-5 years is usually sufficient. However, you should arrange an assessment immediately after severe storms, if you notice new defects (cracks, fungal growth, sudden lean), or if construction has occurred nearby. We can recommend an appropriate inspection schedule for your specific trees.

Question 13

Are tree risk assessment reports accepted for insurance claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our tree risk assessment reports are prepared by AQF Level 5 qualified consulting arborists using recognised QTRA and TRAQ methodologies. They comply with Australian Standards and are accepted by insurance companies for claims processing, underwriting assessments, and liability matters. The quantified data and professional documentation we provide is particularly valuable for insurance purposes. We can format reports specifically for insurance requirements when needed.

Question 14

What is sonic tomography and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Sonic tomography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that creates detailed cross-sectional images of a tree's internal structure—similar to an ultrasound. We attach 8-12 sensors around the trunk, and each sensor sends sound pulses to the others. Sound travels faster through solid wood and slower through decayed or hollow areas. Our software analyses these speed variations and generates a colour-coded image showing exactly where solid wood, decay, and cavities are located, with percentage calculations of remaining sound wood.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Sonic tomography gives you a complete cross-sectional view of the entire trunk at a specific height—it's best for seeing the overall picture of internal condition. Resistograph testing drills a fine needle (only 3mm diameter) into the wood and measures resistance, providing precise data along that specific path—excellent for targeted investigation of particular areas. We often use both methods together: tomography identifies problem areas, then resistograph provides detailed analysis of those specific locations. Both methods cause no lasting damage to the tree.

Question 16

When is advanced tree testing recommended instead of visual assessment?

Accepted Answer

Advanced testing is recommended when you need certainty about internal condition rather than educated guesses. Common scenarios include: large trees near buildings, driveways, or high-traffic areas where failure would cause significant damage; valuable or heritage trees you want to preserve but need to confirm are safe; trees showing external warning signs (fungal brackets, old cavities, large wounds); post-storm assessment of structurally stressed trees; insurance or legal matters requiring objective evidence; and development applications involving significant tree retention decisions.

Question 17

What arborist documentation do I need for a development application?

Accepted Answer

Most Sydney councils require an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) for development applications where trees exist on or near the site. This evaluates how your development affects existing trees and provides recommendations for retention, protection, or removal. If trees are being retained, you'll also need a Tree Protection Plan (TPP) specifying how to protect them during construction. The TPP may be required at DA stage or as a condition of consent before construction begins. We can advise exactly what your specific council requires.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is the minimum area around a tree that must be protected to maintain its health during construction. It's calculated based on trunk diameter according to Australian Standard AS4970-2009. When your development encroaches into TPZs, council wants to know how much encroachment occurs and whether trees will survive. Encroaching too far can kill trees—even if damage isn't visible immediately. Our impact assessments clearly calculate TPZs, assess encroachment levels, and determine tree viability, giving council confidence your development has properly considered tree impacts.

Question 19

Can you act as project arborist during construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many councils require project arborist supervision as a condition of DA consent, especially for sites with significant trees. Our project arborist services include: pre-construction meetings with builders; installation supervision of tree protection fencing; regular compliance inspections during construction; supervision of excavation within protection zones; assessment of any tree impacts; and certification documentation for occupation certificate requirements. Having us involved from assessment through construction ensures consistency and proper compliance.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. If your development application was refused or deferred due to inadequate tree information, we can prepare the required arboricultural documentation to address council's concerns. We'll review the refusal reasons, conduct a proper site assessment, and prepare reports that directly respond to the issues raised. In many cases, developments can proceed with appropriate tree protection measures or minor design modifications—our job is to find workable solutions that satisfy both council requirements and your development objectives.

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, and we regularly work across all Sydney local government areas. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, just ask—we're happy to confirm.

Question 22

What qualifications do your arborists have?

Accepted Answer

Our consulting arborists hold AQF Level 5 qualifications—the highest arboricultural qualification in Australia for consulting work. This demonstrates advanced knowledge in tree biology, risk assessment, arboricultural consulting, and report preparation. We're also qualified in QTRA and TRAQ risk assessment methodologies. With over 10 years of experience across Sydney, we combine technical expertise with practical local knowledge.

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

We're consulting arborists, which means we provide assessments, reports, and expert advice—not tree removal or pruning services. This independence is important: we have no financial interest in recommending removal, so you get unbiased professional opinions. If your report recommends tree work, we can suggest reputable tree contractors, but we keep our consulting services separate from operational tree work to maintain objectivity.

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. We'll provide a quote and arrange a convenient time for the site inspection—usually within a few days for standard assessments. We're available Monday to Saturday, and we'll confirm the appointment time so you know exactly when to expect us.

Question 25

What happens after the site inspection?

Accepted Answer

After the inspection, we prepare your report—typically within 3-5 business days for standard assessments. You'll receive a comprehensive PDF document including tree details, our professional assessment, photographs, and clear recommendations. The report is ready for council submission (if applicable). If you have questions about the findings or need clarification, we're available to discuss the report with you. For development applications, we can also respond to any council queries that arise during assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arborist Reports & Council Requirements

Costs & Pricing

Tree Risk Assessments

Tree Structure Testing & Diagnostics

Development Applications & Construction

Working with Sydney Arborist Solutions

Have a Question We Haven't Answered?

Frequently Asked Questions

Arborist Reports & Council Requirements

Costs & Pricing

Tree Risk Assessments

Tree Structure Testing & Diagnostics

Development Applications & Construction

Working with Sydney Arborist Solutions

Have a Question We Haven't Answered?