What types of arborist reports do you actually need?

Not all arborist reports are created equal, and unless you’ve dealt with trees and councils before, the names probably won’t mean much. What you care about is getting the right report to sort the problem in front of you. That might be a leaning gum near the fence line, a permit snag on your reno plans, or a request from council that doesn’t explain much at all.

It pays to work with people who understand trees and the systems surrounding them. A tree health assessment is very different from a construction report, and submitting the wrong one can send you back to square one.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of arborist reports and when they’re used, from health checks to tree risk assessment reports, valuations to development assessments. We’ve written hundreds of arborist reports for Melbourne clients, so we know exactly what each one needs to cover, and why it matters.

We’ve written another guide to define what an arborist report is, what they’re for, and why you need them. In this guide, we’re going to get more specific about the separate types of reports you may need to provide. Let’s break it down properly.

If your tree is damaged, diseased or dangerous

Some tree problems creep up slowly (a bit of dieback here, a suspicious lean there) while others strike overnight, like a split trunk after a storm. Either way, if a tree on your property looks like it’s struggling or posing a risk, the safest move is to get a proper assessment. A qualified arborist with the minimum AQF Level 5 qualification can give you clear advice and documentation that helps protect your home, your neighbours, and your peace of mind.

Tree health and condition reports

These reports focus on the biological and structural wellbeing of the tree. They assess signs of disease, decay, pest activity, root stability, canopy health, and overall structure. A health and condition report is ideal if a tree seems to be declining, has dead limbs, or shows unusual leaf loss, fungal growth or wounds on the trunk.

We also look at tree species-specific concerns; some trees are more prone to rot or borers, while others naturally shed limbs. A tree health assessment gives you a clear picture of what’s going on and what needs to happen next. The assessment could recommend the need for services like:

• Tree trimming, to ensure that dangerous or expansive branches are safely removed.
• Tree support measures and cable bracing, which give high-risk branches the support they need to stay strong in inclement weather.
• Power line clearance to ensure trees don’t interfere with service lines on your property or power lines on public roads and streets.
• Full tree removal, which may be necessary if the tree is dead, damaged or a high-risk hazard.

Tree risk assessments and hazard reports

A tree risk assessment is about safety. It considers the likelihood of failure and the potential consequences if a tree, or part of it, comes down. This might include the risk to homes, fences, vehicles, powerlines or people. If your tree leans, sways in calm weather, or has visible cracks or cavities, it could be a hazard tree, and that’s not something to leave to chance.

Hazard reports are especially useful when you need to demonstrate duty of care, such as when a neighbour or tenant raises concerns. These reports help you make informed decisions, reduce liability, and manage risks before they become emergencies.

Emergency and post-storm inspections

When a storm hits, it’s not always clear what’s been damaged. Limbs can crack without falling, root systems can shift underground, and trees that look fine today might fail tomorrow. A post-storm tree inspection gives you a qualified opinion on which trees are safe, which need monitoring, and which should be removed.

These reports are often used for insurance claims or urgent council clearance. We prioritise these requests to keep things safe and moving quickly, especially when there’s a risk to structures, footpaths, or powerlines. Even if a tree seems stable, a quick inspection from a qualified arborist can give you peace of mind or catch problems early.

If you're planning building, fencing or development work

Got plans for a new build, a fence extension, or even just laying down a new driveway? You’d be surprised how often a tree throws a spanner in the works. One protected tree in the wrong spot, and your whole project could come to a grinding halt. That’s where the right arborist report can save you a world of hassle.

Arboricultural impact assessments (AIA)

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is what most councils want when you're building near existing trees. It's not just about the trees you plan to keep; it’s about the ones you might be affecting without even realising. We assess every relevant tree on-site, check how the proposed works might impact their health or structure, and map out any risks.

If you’re applying for a planning permit, especially in areas with Vegetation Protection Overlays, this is the report that ticks the box. It shows the council you’ve considered the trees, planned around them where possible, and you’ve got a professional arborist backing your case.

Construction and development arborist reports

This one’s a bit more hands-on. A construction arborist report goes into the nitty-gritty of how you’ll actually build around protected trees without wrecking their roots or stability. Think site access routes, where materials will be stored, fencing specs, excavation methods, and even post-construction care.

And if the council says you need a qualified arborist on-site at key stages? That’s us. We’ll make sure what’s in the report actually happens on the ground, and we’ll keep the documentation up to scratch the whole way through.

AS4970 and tree protection zone mapping

AS4970 might sound like a robot model, but it’s actually the Australian Standard for protecting trees on development sites. It’s what councils and planners use to assess whether you’re keeping trees safe while you build.

Using this standard, we calculate Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) and Structural Root Zones (SRZs) (the no-go zones around trees). Then we map them out clearly so you and your builder can see what’s off-limits.

Skipping this step is like trying to build blindfolded. You might get lucky, or you might end up tearing through a critical root zone and dealing with a permit breach. Not worth the risk.

If your build is anywhere near existing trees, get this sorted early. It’s one of those things that’s a lot easier to plan for than to fix later.

If the council or your planner has asked for a report

There’s nothing like a tidy little line in a planning letter to throw a project into chaos: “Please provide an arborist report.” That’s it. No detail, no guidance, just a big red flag that your permit’s on hold until you sort it.

This section’s for anyone who’s dealing with local council requirements, especially if the language in their overlay or permit docs sounds more like legal code than plain English. Don’t worry, we’ve translated it before, and we’ll do it again.

Tree removal permits and council compliance

If you’re applying to remove a tree in a regulated zone, chances are you’ll need a specific kind of report to justify it. These reports don’t just say “cut it down”; they need to walk through the condition of the tree, species, hazards posed, and whether removal is the only reasonable option. Most councils require a permit for this, and your arborist report must justify the need in line with the Australian Standard AS4970-2009.

We tailor each report to the council’s specific requirements, ensuring the documentation reflects the tree’s health, your duty of care, and why it meets the criteria for removal of trees under your local planning scheme.

Tree preservation and vegetation protection overlays

A tree may be subject to vegetation protection overlays that limit what can be done, even if it’s on your land. Tree works, like pruning or root excavation in these zones, often require council approval. Our professional arborist reports meet the expectations of councils across Australia, ensuring you stay compliant while managing the needs of your property.

We assess the number of trees involved, their value, and recommend measures to protect them, especially mature trees or significant species. Consulting arborists can also identify long-term impacts and mitigation strategies to help protect the health of trees during and after construction.

Reports to support planning approval

Planning a renovation or development project? Most councils will ask for a detailed tree report before they sign off. These reports help you demonstrate compliance, address potential risks, and prove that you’ve considered the protection of trees on development sites. Depending on the level of complexity, different report types may be required.

Our comprehensive tree reports clearly outline the impact of your works and what’s being done to mitigate risks to tree-related assets, from protection fencing to tree root investigation zones. We’ll also provide a report that supports your case with research, risk assessments, and a clear connection to the planning objectives of your municipality.

If you're managing a large property or mature tree assets

Big properties and old trees need more than a once-off visit. If you're responsible for the long-term health and safety of multiple trees (whether it's a school, a body corporate, or a large residential block), it's worth having a plan in place. That’s where ongoing management reports come into play.

Tree management plans and maintenance schedules

A tree management plan is like a care guide tailored to your site. It maps out the condition of each tree, flags any that need attention now or soon, and outlines a schedule for inspections, pruning, and other works. Think of it as a roadmap to keep everything safe, healthy and council-compliant without scrambling every time an issue pops up.

This kind of report is especially helpful for properties with dozens (or even hundreds) of trees. It helps budget for future works, manage risk, and avoid unnecessary removal. And when council or insurers come knocking, you’ve got the documentation to show you’re doing the right thing.

Soil health and root zone assessments

Trees don’t just rely on what you see above the ground. If you’re noticing stunted growth, unexplained dieback, or multiple trees declining in the same area, it could be a soil issue. These assessments dig into what’s happening underground, checking soil composition, compaction, drainage, and the health of root systems.

We can also assess the impact of nearby development or machinery that might be affecting the trees’ ability to access water and nutrients. This is critical if you're managing mature trees that have taken decades to establish because once roots are damaged, recovery isn't always guaranteed.

Preventive inspections for long-term tree care

Sometimes the best arborist report is the one that helps you avoid problems in the first place. Preventative inspections are a way to get ahead of potential issues, whether that’s a limb at risk of failure, an emerging pest problem, or early signs of decline.

We can inspect your property at set intervals or after big weather events, making sure small issues don’t become big (and expensive) ones. It’s the smart way to protect your tree assets and keep your maintenance plan on track.

If the value of your tree is in question

Trees aren’t just background greenery. They can hold real financial and community value. Whether you're navigating an insurance claim, a legal dispute, or trying to quantify assets for development, a tree valuation report puts hard numbers to something that’s often overlooked.

Tree valuation reports for insurance or legal purposes

These reports are used to determine the dollar value of a tree, not just for the timber, but based on species, size, age, health, amenity value, and contribution to the landscape. If a neighbour has damaged a tree, removed it without approval, or been affected by construction, this report can be crucial in court or insurance negotiations.

We use recognised methods like the Burnley Method and other industry-standard valuation tools to ensure your report stands up to scrutiny. Whether you're making a claim or defending one, this kind of arborist report can tip the scales in your favour.

Asset reporting for councils or developers

Larger projects often require documentation of tree assets as part of the overall site value or infrastructure planning. This is common in council-owned land, commercial developments or heritage sites where mature trees are part of the value equation.

An asset report identifies and values all significant trees, helping guide future planning, budgeting, and risk mitigation. It also supports decisions about removal, retention or replacement with full transparency. If trees are part of your portfolio, they deserve proper recognition and protection.

Choosing the right type of report

Look, most people don’t wake up thinking about what kind of arborist report they need. And fair enough. Between the confusing names, shifting council requirements and the tree that’s doing who-knows-what in your backyard, it’s a lot to wrap your head around.

That’s why we don’t expect you to figure it all out alone. Whether you’ve got a tree leaning into your build zone, a cranky letter from council, or just a gut feeling that something’s not right, we’ll help you make sense of it. No confusing terms. No upselling. Just straight answers from people who know the ropes.

We’ve written every type of report under the sun (from emergency storm assessments to detailed arboricultural impact reports), and we do it throughout Melbourne. We’ve worked with property owners, consulting arborists, council planners and developers across Australia.

If you're not sure where to start, contact us. You don’t need to speak tree — that’s our job. We’re qualified arborists with years of arboriculture experience and the qualifications and experience to match. Whether you need an arborist report for council approval or just want to know how much an arborist report costs, we’re happy to walk you through it. If you need a tree expert, get in touch.