Arboriculture

Arboricultural Impact Assessments

Arboricultural Impact Assessments are written reports which assess the impact that development or construction works are likely to cause to existing trees. An AIA is generally required as a mandatory document by local Councils as part of the Development Application process where existing trees have the potential to be impacted.

Tree Surveys

Tree Surveys or Tree Mapping is undertaken to collect data on tree populations within a defined area. Generally for larger sites including schools, parklands, golf courses and hospitals, base data is collected to enable the scheduling of works, maintenance and are useful in the preparation of tree management plans and site masterplans.

Expert Witness 

CPS have been involved in various Land and Environment Court cases acting as expert witness on behalf of both local Councils and private clients in relation to arboricultural matters. We are experienced in the processes of the Land and Environment Court and can assist in the provision of documentation to support appeals on tree-related matters.

Preliminary Tree Reports

Preliminary Tree Reports are generally carried out in the early stages of design development to assist the project team with building design and layout. The report provides key base technical data to identify potential tree constraints that could influence design and mitigate future conflict that may arise between significant trees and built form.

Tree Risk Assessments

Tree Risk Assessments are an important tool in the safe management of trees to ensure an acceptable level of risk. We carry out detailed assessments of tree health, condition structure and visible defects to deliver technical reporting on the risk of tree failure and harm to human life or property.

Street Tree Masterplans

A Street Tree Masterplan provides a detailed and structured approach to guide the long term planning and management of street trees within a local government area. Establishing a clear strategy enables Councils to collectively manage their tree assets with clear objectives and priorities and ensure a safe and sustainable tree population will develop for future generations.

Tree Protection Specifications

Tree Protection Specifications provide guidance for the protection of trees for a range of projects. We prescribe the type and location of tree protection measures, monitoring, supervision and timing. Tree Protection Specifications are often required by Council’s to demonstrate sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure trees can be retained and preserved.

Root Mapping

Root Mapping involves the physical investigation and mapping of subsurface trees’ roots. Various methods are utilised including hand excavation, hydro-vacuum excavation and Ground Penetrating Radar. A Root Mapping Report is then prepared where roots are graphically mapped and interpreted in plan, section and elevation.

Site Supervision & Certification

CPS offer full Project Arborist services during the construction phase of a project. This includes installation of tree protection measures prior to demolition and construction; on-site supervision to ensure trees are satisfactorily protected from damage during construction; and certification that conditions of development consent relating to the retention and protection of trees are met.

  • A Consulting Arborist is a tree expert who provides professional advice and services related to the management and care of trees. They have a deep understanding of tree biology, health, and safety, and they use this knowledge to help clients make informed decisions about their trees.

    In Australia a Consulting Arborist must have completed the minimum qualification of Diploma of Arboriculture sometimes known as AQF5 in accordance with the Australian Framework Qualification. This qualification and training provides the Arborist with the ability to assess trees and provide objective information and advice on industry best practice.

  • An Arborist Report is a detailed document prepared by a qualified and experienced Consulting Arborist (AQF Level 5 – Diploma of Arboriculture). There are several different types of Arborist Reports, each with a specific focus or purpose which are a critical part of tree management, providing professional assessments and recommendations for various situations. Arborist reports record findings regarding the health, structure, and condition of trees, impacts from construction works, risk of failure and are often required for development applications, tree removal permits, or in legal matters.

    Some of the more common Arborist Reports include:

    • Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report

    • Pre-development Tree Assessment Report

    • Complying Development Certificate Tree Report

    • Tree Risk Assessment Report

    • Root Mapping Investigation Reports

    • Tree Survey Report

    • Tree Management Plan

    • Tre Protection Plan

    • Tree Pruning Specification

  • You might need an Arborist Report for:

    Development Applications (DA): An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is typically required by most local Councils as part of any DA submission where impacts to trees are likely. 

    Complying Development Certificate (CDC): Private Certifiers typically request a Statement from a qualified Consulting Arborist to confirm impacts to trees are acceptable and compliant with the relevant planning codes.

    Tree Removal Permits: Council may require or request an Arborist Report to provide details on protected trees on residential land which are being sought for removal land owners.

    Tree Pruning Permits: Council may require or request a Tree Pruning Specification to provide details on protected trees on residential land which are being sought to be pruned by land owners.

    Legal Disputes: Providing expert evidence in tree-related legal matters.

    Tree Health Concerns: Diagnosing tree disease and specifying treatment.

    Tree Safety Concerns: Evaluating structural integrity of trees and risk assessment.

    Pre-purchase Due Diligence: Understanding tree-related benefits, risks and liabilities.

    Land and Environment Court: As part of

  • We offer a comprehensive range of Consulting Arborist services, including:

    Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs): For Development Applications (DA), assessing potential impacts on trees, nominating tree removal/retention and recommending tree protection and impact mitigation measures.

    Pre-development Tree Assessments: To guide the design process and provide key tree information to protect high-value protected trees on development sites. This includes outlining relevant Tree Protection Zones (TPZ), Structural Root Zones (SRZ) and Tree Retention Values.

    Complying Development Certificate (CDC) Tree Reports: Assistance with streamlined development advice and ensuring compliance with the tree related provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008.

    Root Mapping Reports: 

    Expert Witness Evidence: Providing expert opinion and evidence in NSW Land and Environment Court matters related to trees and Arboricultural issues.

    Project Arborist Certification Letters: Regular and ongoing inspection, monitoring and supervision of trees during the construction period to safeguard trees from construction-related damage and impacts.

    Tree Assessment Reports: Detailed assessments of tree health, condition, vitality, structure, retention value, significance, useful life expectancy and safety.

    Tree Risk Assessments: Evaluation of risk associated with potentially hazardous trees using TRAQ, QTRA, and VALID methodologies with clear guidance and recommendations for risk mitigation if necessary.

    Pruning Specifications:

    Tree Protection Plans & Specifications: 

    Tree Surveys: Large scale surveys and tree inventories providing customisable baseline tree data and information for proactive tree management for schools, universities, hospitals, correctional facilities, aged care facilities, parks, roads and railways.

  • The timeframe of Report preparation varies depending on the complexity of the project, the number of trees involved and our current workload. However, we typically complete reports within 2 weeks of engagement. If your project is time-sensitive and you require an Arborist Report urgently, please get in touch to discuss options to expedite your report.

  • The cost depends on factors like the type of report required, the number of trees to be assessed, the complexity of assessment, and travel time to and from site. Please email us at cps.admin@cpsplanning.com.au for a personalised quote within 24 hours.

  • To help us prepare your report or quote efficiently, please provide:

    • The purpose of the report.

    • Site address and access details.

    • Any relevant plans or surveys.

    • Specific concerns about the trees.

    • Client contact details

  • Our Arborists will attend site to conduct a thorough visual, non-invasive inspection of all trees on and adjoining the site including:

    • Visual assessment of tree health and structure.

    • Measurement of tree size and location.

    • Identification of any environmental constraints.

    • Documentation of findings and recommendations.

  • All of our Consulting Arborists hold AQF Level 5 qualifications (Diploma of Arboriculture) and have multiple years of experience in tree assessment and report preparation. Senior staff are Registered or Accredited with the peak Australian Arboriculture bodies including Arboriculture Australia or Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists. They have also attained tree risk assessment qualifications and are trained in the following methodologies: Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) and VALID.

  • Root Mapping is typically an exploratory investigation of a tree’s root system via Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) techniques to confirm the location, size and depth of tree roots. This is typically required by Council’s when construction works are proposed close to trees and confirmation on the impact to a tree’s root system needs to be verified. CPS utilise advanced AirSpade® technology, the highest regarded tree sensitive NDD technology on the market which minimise risk of injury to trees and ensures an efficient and effective root mapping investigation.

  • The tree protection zone (TPZ) is the principal means of protecting trees on development sites. The TPZ is a combination of the root area and crown area requiring protection. It is an area isolated from construction disturbance so that the tree remains viable. The TPZ incorporates the structural root zone (SRZ).

  • The structural root zone (SRZ) is the area required for tree stability. A larger area is required to maintain a viable tree. The SRZ only needs to be calculated when a major encroachment into a TPZ is proposed. Root investigation may provide more information on the extent of these roots.

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