What is an arborist report?

We get it. "You need an arborist report" is one of those phrases that sounds official, urgent, and completely unhelpful if no one’s explained it properly. Whether it’s come from your builder, your council, or a neighbour who’s suddenly very interested in your gum tree, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s where we come in. We’re a qualified crew who’ve been writing arborist reports across Victoria for years. No templates. No guesswork. Real, site-specific assessments that tick the boxes councils care about and actually help you move forward. We’ve seen overlays, offsets, permit rejections and panicked emails from planners. We know how to get it done right.

This blog will walk you through the whole lot:

• What an arborist report is and what it’s for
• What it includes and how much detail it needs
• What AS4970 means and why councils take it seriously
• What a proper example looks like
• Why it’s worth choosing a qualified arborist who knows your municipality

If you're after marketing spin, you won’t find it here. But if you want practical, local advice from people who know trees, planning and development, keep reading.

What is an arborist report for trees?

An arborist report is a detailed document prepared by a qualified consulting arborist. It covers the condition, health and structural integrity of trees on your property. You’ll also get recommendations for practical steps like tree trimming, ongoing monitoring, or outright tree removal if works are planned nearby.

Unlike a quote or visual inspection, an arborist report is often required by council, especially if your block sits under an overlay or you’re submitting plans for construction. It draws on arboricultural expertise, research and data analysis, and local tree preservation rules to deliver findings councils can act on.

What it’s used for and why it matters

A certified arborist report provides a detailed assessment of the health and safety of trees. It helps property owners, planners and builders make informed decisions about tree management and whether a tree poses potential risks to people or infrastructure.

You might need one if you’re lodging plans, requesting approval for removal, dealing with a hazardous tree, or sorting out insurance claims following tree damage. Councils often require a report with findings and recommendations prepared by a level 5 arborist before issuing permits.

A proper report protects the tree’s health, helps protect your property, and gives everyone involved a clear understanding of the condition of the trees on-site.

What’s included in a standard arborist report

A proper arborist report should be more than a generic tick-and-flick. It’s a document built to help councils, insurers and property owners understand what's on site and what action needs to be taken.

An AS4970-compliant report is a detailed document prepared in a standard format. It outlines the purpose of the report, the number of trees assessed, and the scope of the job. It will also include detailed findings about tree species, structural condition, likelihood of failure, and any recommendations for tree pruning, cable installation, or tree removal if required.

Whether you need one for construction, compliance or dispute resolution, a well-structured arborist report can help get your arborist report done right the first time.

What makes a report council-compliant

Councils can be sticklers, and fair enough. They’ve got vegetation controls to enforce and a long list of boxes to tick. That’s why they expect detailed reports written by people who know the tree industry and local laws.

To be accepted, the arborist report must come from a certified arborist, clearly reference AS4970, and include all necessary overlays and measures to protect existing trees. Reports that don’t meet these expectations can be rejected outright, costing you time, money and momentum on your project.

We’ve seen reports fall short because they weren’t detailed enough or didn’t match the planning zone. Choosing a qualified arborist who knows your municipality helps ensure your report meets council expectations the first time.

What is an arborist report in Australia?

Arborist reports are used right across Australia, but that doesn’t mean they all look the same. Depending on the location, councils might vary in what they ask for. Some may only need a short statement; others will require a certified report addressing overlays, retention options, and compliance with local planning schemes.

In Victoria, it’s common for arborist reports to be requested during the planning and development phase. You may also need one for boundary issues or damage claims involving trees. If the report lacks proper tree care information or fails to assess the health of a tree in line with local policy, your application could be delayed.

Wherever you are, the goal is the same: to get an arborist report that clearly addresses the council’s concerns and gives property owners clarity about their trees. The right tree expert will also know how to tailor the report to suit both the site and the planning authority involved.

What is AS4970 and why does it matter?

If you’re planning any kind of build near trees (a new home, extension, driveway or even just a carport), there’s a good chance someone’s mentioned AS4970. It’s the Australian Standard for protecting trees on development sites, and councils often require reports that follow it to the letter.

AS4970 exists to preserve the health of trees that might otherwise be damaged by construction. It guides arborists on how to assess root zones, map out impacts, and recommend practical solutions to prevent harm. Without it, well-meaning builds can turn into tree losses that affect shade, privacy and property value.

Tree protection during development

AS4970 outlines how to set up Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) and Structural Root Zones (SRZs). These calculations help determine safe distances for excavation or heavy machinery. The report will also suggest measures to protect each tree, especially if construction will take place nearby.

A well-prepared assessment report will take into account both the structural and biological needs of the tree. The arborist will also identify any early signs of disease or weakness, which is critical in spotting potential risks before they escalate.

How AS4970 affects your planning permit

If your project sits under a planning overlay or involves significant trees, councils may require an arborist report that complies with AS4970 before they even consider your permit. The report must demonstrate the tree’s health, outline risks, and show how your design avoids impact where possible.

This process doesn’t just protect trees. It helps protect the urban tree canopy and saves councils a whole lot of headaches down the line. Getting the right report done early means fewer permit issues, fewer redesigns, and more time saved.

What is an example of an arborist report?

A good arborist report tells the full story, from tree species and condition to site layout and compliance. It doesn’t need to be flashy, but it does need to be complete. If it skips details or makes vague recommendations, it won’t help anyone, and it probably won’t get approved.

A typical arborist report's layout and structure

There are several types of arborist reports, but let’s focus on a specific one to give you an example. An AS4970-compliant arborist report is a detailed document prepared in a consistent format. While the specifics of an arborist report can vary depending on the purpose of the report and the site conditions, a standard layout generally includes:

• Title and purpose: what the report is for, who it was commissioned by, and any relevant permit or application numbers, including applications for tree removal permits
• Qualifications and methodology: confirming the arborist is AQF Level 5 certified and outlining how the assessment was conducted
• Tree data table: listing each tree’s species, size, health, structural integrity, and recommendations
• Site plans and overlay references: showing tree locations, protection zones, and planning constraints
• Photos and diagrams: visual documentation to support findings
• Detailed findings and recommendations: including tree risk assessment, likelihood of failure, and measures to protect or manage each tree

This level of documentation helps councils, planners, and property owners confidently make informed decisions and ensures all tree-related risks and responsibilities are properly considered.

Need an arborist report you can trust?

We know arborist reports can feel like just another hoop to jump through. But done right, they make your life easier, not harder. Whether you're trying to get a planning permit over the line, respond to a neighbour’s concern, or prove damage during a storm, the right report clears the air and keeps things moving.

We’re locals. We’ve written arborist reports for all Melbourne suburbs, and even for several across regional Victoria. We know what they expect, and we know how to make sure your report holds up. Our team includes fully qualified Level 5 arborists with deep knowledge of arboriculture and the realities of tree work.

If you’re unsure whether you need one, or already know you do, give us a ring. We’ll talk you through it, sort out what’s needed, and make sure your report is comprehensive and council-ready so you can move on with confidence. no fuss, no fluff.