What is an arborist?

If you’ve ever looked at a tree on your property and thought, “Is that thing alright… or about to cause a headache?”, you’re not alone. That’s exactly where a qualified arborist comes in.

We’re not just people with chainsaws and utes. A proper arborist is trained, certified, and experienced in tree care — managing trees safely and responsibly. In Victoria (and across Australia), specific qualifications and safety standards are involved, and it pays to know what they are.

At Trav’s Tree Services, we’ve been providing expert arborist reports for Melbourne properties for over 20 years. As a tree care company, we specialise in a wide range of tree services, from pruning to removals, backed by local knowledge and a strong commitment to safety.

This guide will walk you through what we do, what makes someone a qualified arborist, and how to make the right call when it comes to your trees and your property.

What does a qualified arborist do?

A qualified arborist is trained to understand trees from the inside out: how they grow, how they respond to stress, and how to manage them safely in a suburban environment. It’s not just about chopping branches. It’s about tree maintenance that promotes healthy, stable trees suited to their surroundings.

Here’s a snapshot of what we do on the job:

• Assessing the health, safety, and structure of trees
• Professional tree pruning and shaping
• Pest and disease diagnosis and treatment
• Safe tree removal and site planning
• Tree cabling and structural support for compromised trees
• Tree maintenance plans tailored to each site

Behind each of those points is a stack of technical knowledge and experience. We evaluate trees for signs of decay, stress, or root issues that aren’t always obvious to the untrained eye. We understand how a badly timed or poorly made cut can compromise a tree’s long-term structure. We use rigging systems and specialist equipment to remove trees safely, even in tight backyards or near powerlines. We also make sure all work aligns with council regulations and Australian Standards.

In short, a qualified arborist combines science, strategy, and hands-on skill to keep the health of trees in check and people safe.

What’s the difference between an arborist and a tree lopper?

There’s a big difference between a trained arborist and a tree lopper, and it mostly comes down to knowledge, care, and long-term outcomes for your trees.

Knowledge of tree biology and long-term care

A qualified arborist understands how trees grow, how they respond to cuts, and what’s needed to keep them healthy in the long run. Arborists are experts in tree biology and apply that knowledge in every decision we make. Tree loppers often take a one-size-fits-all approach that can leave trees weakened, unbalanced, or vulnerable to pests and disease.

The risks of poor pruning practices from loppers

Over-pruning or removing large limbs without proper technique can seriously damage a tree. It can also create tree hazards or lead to costly removals down the track. Arborists use best-practice methods to prune trees with purpose, preserving structure, encouraging healthy growth, and keeping everything safe.

If someone’s offering cheap tree work without any credentials, there’s a good chance they’re a lopper. And while they might save you money in the short term, they can end up costing a lot more in damage, fines, or removal work later on.

What qualifications should arborists have in Australia?

Arboriculture training and certification levels

In Australia, the most common qualification for a working arborist is the AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture. This is the minimum standard required for professional tree work, including pruning, climbing, rigging, and ground operations. It covers essential topics like tree biology, pruning techniques, safe machinery use, and aerial rescue.

For more advanced consulting roles, like preparing official arborist reports or managing trees on high-risk sites, arborists may go on to complete the AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture. This higher-level qualification demonstrates extensive knowledge of tree health, risk assessment, and regulatory planning.

Some arborists even choose to continue their professional development and become master arborists, a mark of extensive experience and industry leadership.

If you’re looking to hire an arborist to work on your property, ask what level of training they’ve completed.

The role of insurance and legal knowledge

Tree work can be dangerous, especially when climbing or working near homes, fences, and power lines. That’s why it’s important your arborist holds the right insurance, including public liability cover and personal injury protection. At Trav’s Tree Services, we carry $20 million in liability coverage, so you’re protected no matter the size of the job.

Arborists are trained not just in safe work practices, but also in understanding local council laws and planning regulations. This includes knowing which tree species are protected, when a planning permit is needed, and how to ensure compliance with Victorian legislation. If your arborist doesn’t seem confident about these legal requirements, it could mean trouble for you down the track.

Before signing off on any tree work, make sure your arborist has up-to-date qualifications, clear insurance documents, and local knowledge. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your home, your garden, and your peace of mind.

When should you call an arborist?

Not every tree issue needs a professional, but there are plenty of situations where calling a qualified arborist is the smartest (and safest) choice. Here are some of the most common situations where an arborist should be your first call.

Warning signs to watch for in your trees

• Visible decay, mushrooms or fungi growing from the trunk or roots
• Dead or dying branches, especially in the upper canopy
• Cracks or splits in the trunk
• Leaning trees or movement at the base
• Sudden loss of leaves or discoloured foliage out of season

These signs often point to internal damage or diseased trees that aren’t always obvious to the untrained eye. A qualified arborist can carry out a proper assessment and recommend treatment, pruning, or safe removal if needed.

We assess a wide range of tree health concerns, from pests and decay to poor structure and weather damage. Understanding the specific areas of tree decline helps us give tailored recommendations, not guesswork.

Planning for development or construction

If you’re renovating, building, or changing the landscape around your home or business, getting an arborist involved early can save a lot of headaches later.

We can help with:

• Tree protection zones and root mapping
• Development impact assessments and expert reports
• Advice on council regulations and permit requirements
• Understanding aspects of tree preservation under local overlays

Working with an arborist upfront helps avoid fines, delays, or accidental damage to trees with heritage or ecological value.

Responding to storm damage or urgent risks

Strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning can all cause significant damage to trees, even ones that looked perfectly healthy beforehand. If a tree has fallen, split, or is hanging dangerously after a storm, don’t try to sort it out yourself.

We’re equipped to:

• Make trees and sites safe after storms
• Assess structural stability and future risks
• Carry out emergency pruning or removal where needed
• Manage large and complex trees using advanced rigging techniques

It’s not worth the risk to your safety or your property. Calling an experienced arborist ensures the problem is handled quickly and properly.

How to choose the right arborist for your property

Getting the right arborist on the job makes a big difference. You’re trusting someone with the health of your trees, the safety of your home, and the shape of your block. A bit of homework up front can save you money, mess, and headaches later on.

Questions to ask before hiring

There’s no harm in being picky. A good arborist will be happy to talk you through their credentials and process. Before you commit, ask:

• What formal training do you have in arboriculture?
• Are you fully insured with public liability and workers’ comp?
• Have you done similar jobs in this area or for this type of tree?
• Do you know what permits I might need from council?
• How do you leave the site when the job’s done?

If someone seems cagey about these, it’s worth getting a second opinion.

Understanding arborist reports

What exactly is an arborist report? Well, it’s not just about price — it’s about clarifying what you need. A clear report should break down the work, explain what gear will be used, and confirm who’s responsible for permits, traffic management, or stump grinding.

If you’re being given a formal arborist report (for example, for council or development), make sure:

• It’s written by someone with AQF Level 5 qualifications
• It covers species, condition, risk factors, and long-term recommendations
• It’s tailored to your site, not a generic template

If you're not sure what something means or why you need a Level 5 arborist, ask. You’ve got every right to understand what you're paying for.

Why local knowledge matters

Trees behave differently in different places, and so do council rules. A good local arborist knows the area’s soil types, wind patterns, common pests, and what species are protected.

We’re based locally and work across the same suburbs every week, so we’re across:

• Which trees are covered by vegetation overlays
• How to handle tricky access in steep or sloping blocks
• What to watch out for with native species in the area

That level of experience means the job gets done properly, with less stress for you and better outcomes for your trees.

Need help from a qualified local arborist?

Whether you’re dealing with tree damage, planning a build, or just want expert advice you can trust, we’re here to help. At Trav’s Tree Services, we’re fully qualified, fully insured, and genuinely passionate about professional arborist services.

If you’re not sure what your trees need, just give us a call. We’re always happy to chat through your options, explain council rules in plain English, or help you make sense of different types of arborist reports.

Need something official? We provide tree reports and professional guidance tailored to your tree care needs, from pruning and removal to advice on health and safety concerns. We also help people looking to become an arborist by sharing knowledge from our team and offering insights into working as an arborist in the field.

Get in touch today for advice, a free quote, or fast help from a qualified arborist who knows your area.