Arborist Report
An arborist report assesses the health, significance and structural condition of trees on or near your site, and recommends which should be retained, removed or protected during construction. Councils commonly require one wherever a tree above a certain size is near the works, and the findings directly affect where a building can sit and how close excavation can come to a protected tree's root zone. We coordinate the arborist and integrate tree constraints into the site design early.
Free consultation
- 1–2 weeks
- Quoted per site - typically from $900 + GST
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
Why this belongs at concept design, not after
A tree protection zone discovered after the building footprint is drawn is one of the more common causes of a late redesign on established suburban lots. An early arborist assessment lets tree constraints shape the site plan instead of fighting it.
Source: Relevant council tree preservation provisions and Development Control Plans; Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW), where rural land clearing provisions apply.
How it works
Tree assessment
1 day on site
Arborist assesses species, health, structural condition and significance of relevant trees.
Protection zone calculation
2–3 days
Tree protection zones calculated and checked against the proposed building footprint and excavation.
Report and design integration
1–2 weeks total
Findings integrated into the site plan, with removal justification prepared if required.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Coordinating an arborist to assess trees on and adjoining your site
- Advising on retention, removal and protection requirements before the design is finalised
- Calculating tree protection zones so the footprint and excavation extent are workable
- Preparing removal justification where a significant tree genuinely cannot be retained
What you don't have to deal with
- A building footprint that clashes with a tree protection zone discovered after design
- A removal application that lacks the justification council actually requires
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree?
In most NSW council areas, yes - trees above a certain size or species are protected under a council's tree preservation provisions, and removal without approval can carry significant penalties. Some smaller or dead/hazardous trees are exempt; the arborist report confirms which category applies.
What is a tree protection zone?
A calculated area around a tree's trunk and root system that must stay largely undisturbed during construction, to protect the tree's health and structural stability. It can meaningfully constrain where a building or excavation can sit on a smaller lot.
What if a significant tree is exactly where I want to build?
The arborist report will say whether removal can be justified - based on health, structural risk, or genuine development need - or whether the design needs to work around the tree instead. Councils generally expect retention to be genuinely tested before removal is approved.
Related services
Development Application (DA)
A Development Application is the merit-assessed approval pathway.
Specialist Reports
Most applications of any size need reports from specialists outside town planning.
Residential Council Approval
Most residential developments do not need a full Development Application.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.