Arborist Reports: What They Are, When You Need One

An arborist report is a professional assessment of a tree or trees on your property. Here is everything you need to know about arborist reports in Sydney.

Types of Arborist Reports

Basic Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)

A ground-level visual inspection of the tree covering species identification, general health, obvious defects and a brief recommendation. Suitable for general health checks, insurance purposes and straightforward removal applications where the council does not require a detailed report.

Indicative cost: $350 - $500

Standard Arborist Report

A detailed report covering tree identification, measurements, health and structural assessment, risk evaluation and management recommendations with justification. This is the most common report type required by councils for tree removal applications. Includes photographs, a site plan and professional opinion.

Indicative cost: $500 - $800

Level 5 Comprehensive Report

A comprehensive report prepared by an arborist holding an AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture. Required by many councils for development applications, contentious tree removal cases, heritage trees and complex risk assessments. May include quantified tree risk assessment (QTRA), tree protection plans for construction, and detailed management specifications.

Indicative cost: $800 - $1,200+

What Is Included in an Arborist Report?

Tree Identification

Botanical name, common name, approximate age, height, trunk diameter (DBH), canopy spread and overall dimensions of the tree.

Health Assessment

Vitality rating, foliage condition, presence of disease, fungal fruiting bodies, insect damage, canopy dieback and overall health status.

Structural Assessment

Trunk condition, branch attachment strength, previous pruning history, cavities, cracks, lean, root plate integrity and structural defects.

Risk Evaluation

Assessment of the likelihood of tree or branch failure, the target (people, property, infrastructure) and the consequences. May use QTRA or similar risk assessment frameworks.

Recommendations

Professional opinion on whether the tree should be retained, pruned, monitored or removed, with clear justification for the recommendation.

Supporting Evidence

Photographs of the tree, defects and damage, a site plan showing the tree location relative to structures, and the arborist qualifications and insurance details.

AQF Qualification Levels Explained

Level	Qualification	Suitable For
AQF Level 3	Certificate III in Arboriculture	Basic tree work, visual assessments
AQF Level 5	Diploma of Arboriculture	Council reports, DA submissions, risk assessments
ISA Certified	International Society of Arboriculture	Complex assessments, expert witness

When Council Requires an Arborist Report

•Applying to remove a tree protected under the local Tree Preservation Order
•Submitting a development application (DA) that affects existing trees
•Claiming a tree is hazardous and needs removal for safety reasons
•Removing a tree listed as heritage significant or part of a heritage landscape
•Resolving a dispute with a neighbour about a boundary tree

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Frequently Asked Questions

An arborist report is a professional document prepared by a qualified arborist that assesses one or more trees on a property. It typically covers tree identification, health assessment, structural condition, risk evaluation and management recommendations. Arborist reports are commonly required by councils for tree removal applications, development approvals and dispute resolution.

You may need an arborist report when: applying to council to remove a protected tree, submitting a development application that affects trees, assessing a tree for risk after storm damage, resolving a neighbour dispute about a tree, for insurance claims related to tree damage, or when purchasing a property with significant trees.

For reports accepted by councils, most require a minimum AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture. This ensures the arborist has advanced knowledge of tree biology, risk assessment and management. For standard tree assessments not required by council, an AQF Level 3 Certificate III in Arboriculture is the minimum professional standard.

Arborist reports typically cost between $350 and $1,200 in Sydney. A basic visual tree assessment starts from around $350, a standard report for council tree removal applications costs $500 to $800, and a comprehensive Level 5 report for development applications or complex assessments costs $800 to $1,200 or more.

Most councils consider arborist reports valid for 6 to 12 months from the date of the site inspection. After this period, the tree condition may have changed significantly enough to require a new assessment. Some councils specify a validity period in their tree management policies.