Arborists Reports

Tree Reports & Development Application Support

Trees often present challenges during development—but early involvement of a qualified consulting arborist can prevent costly delays. At Byron Bay Tree Services, we specialise in pre-development tree assessments and AQF Level 5 Arborist Reports that align with council regulations and planning laws.

Our in-depth understanding of AS 4970-2009 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites allows us to provide clear, practical recommendations to help you retain significant trees and avoid project stoppages.

We provide tree reports for development applications (DAs), construction impact assessments, and tree protection plans across the Northern Rivers (NSW) and Southeast Queensland.

We can assist our clients and provide the following reports: 

  • Preliminary Arboricultural Development Report

  • Arboricultural Impact Assessments for Development Applications (D. A’s)

  • Detailed Risk Assessments

  • Tree Surveys and Audits

  • Tree identification, health and condition

  • Tree Pest and Disease diagnosis

  • Expert witness

  • Tree reports for the coroner

Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment

Preliminary Arboricultural Assessments – Start Smart, Design Responsibly

This assessment is undertaken before any development design begins. Smart developers and landowners know this is the most critical stage to engage a qualified Project Arborist—before architects or planners are brought on board.

A Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment provides vital insights about the site and existing vegetation. It identifies applicable council policies, planning controls, and any threatened species legislation—allowing the design process to work with the trees, not against them.

What the Assessment Includes:

  • Tree Identification & Mapping

  • Assessment of Tree Suitability for Retention

  • Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) Calculations

  • Structural Root Zone (SRZ) Identification

This report forms the foundation of a responsible site layout. Armed with this information, architects and designers can plan around trees that are healthy, significant, or protected—ensuring long-term viability and compliance with AS 4970-2009 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.

Plan smarter, build better.
Start with a Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment from our AQF Level 5 Arborist team servicing Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Tweed, and Southeast Queensland.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment Report

Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

Protecting Trees During Development

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is required when proposed development works may impact existing trees. Most local councils request this type of report as part of a Development Application (DA) to ensure vegetation is considered in the planning process.

This report evaluates how buildings, driveways, excavation, and construction activities may affect trees on or adjacent to a development site. It helps councils, architects, and developers make informed decisions that balance development goals with tree protection obligations.

What’s Included in an Arboricultural Impact Assessment:

  • Identification of Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)

  • Tree Protection Plans referencing AS 4970-2009

  • Identification of Structural Root Zones (SRZ) (where required)

  • Guidance on construction methods to minimise tree impact

  • Practical measures to maintain tree health during and after development

An AIA is essential to ensure compliance with council planning controls, environmental legislation, and best-practice tree management. At Byron Bay Tree Services, our AQF Level 5 Arborists work closely with planners, architects, and builders to integrate trees into the design—avoiding costly delays and ensuring long-term tree retention.

Detailed Risk Assessment Report

Tree Risk Assessments – Managing Tree Safety with Confidence

At Byron Bay Tree Services, we understand that trees can sometimes pose safety risks to people and property. That’s why we work closely with landowners to identify, assess, and manage tree-related risks—balancing safety with tree preservation wherever possible.

Our Detailed Tree Risk Assessments are conducted by AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborists using industry-leading risk assessment methods. We evaluate a tree’s condition by observing structural cues—also known as its "body language"—to detect defects, dysfunctions, or signs of stress, using the principles of the axiom of uniform stress.

What We Assess:

  • Structural defects (cracks, decay, cavities)

  • Root plate stability

  • Deadwood or branch failure potential

  • Site conditions and contributing stress factors

  • Targets within the tree’s failure zone (people, buildings, assets)

Not all trees are hazardous. Our arborists are trained to distinguish between acceptable natural features and serious structural concerns—providing informed, professional advice on whether a tree poses a real risk.

Qualified & Trusted Risk Assessment Methods

Our AQF Level 5 Arborists are certified in internationally recognised tree risk methodologies, including:

  • TRAQ – Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA)

  • QTRA – Quantified Tree Risk Assessment

  • VALID – Tree Risk-Benefit Management & Assessment

All assessments follow current industry standards and best practices, with risk mitigation strategies tailored to your site, trees, and use.

When Should You Book a Tree Risk Assessment?

  • After storms, high winds, or visible damage

  • Before selling or leasing a property

  • When trees overhang structures, roads, or high-use areas

  • If a tree’s health appears to be declining

Serving Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Tweed & the Gold Coast, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about tree safety, compliance, and retention.

 

Tree Surveys and Audits

Tree Identification, Health & Condition Assessments

Proper tree management starts with accurate species identification. Every tree has unique environmental needs, and our AQF Level 5 Arborists have in-depth knowledge of native and exotic tree species, their preferred growing conditions, and common stress indicators.

We assess a tree’s health by observing key characteristics including:

  • Leaf size, shape, and colour

  • Canopy density and symmetry

  • Height, form, and overall growth patterns

Changes in these traits often signal environmental stress or underlying health issues. With expert evaluation, we can determine whether a tree is thriving—or needs attention.

Tree Pest & Disease Diagnosis

When a tree is planted in unsuitable conditions or exposed to prolonged stress, it becomes more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Issues like borer beetle infestations, scale insects, or fungal infections are common in stressed trees.

Our qualified arborists provide:

  • Diagnosis of pest or disease symptoms

  • Identification of contributing environmental factors

  • Tailored treatment plans to restore tree health and resilience

A healthy tree is naturally more resistant to pests and disease—early diagnosis is key to prevention and longevity.

Expert Witness Services – Tree Disputes

Neighbourhood tree disputes are increasingly common, often involving concerns about blocked views, sunlight, falling branches, or root damage. Our AQF Level 5 Arborists are experienced in resolving these issues professionally and objectively.

In NSW, the Tree (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 offers a legal pathway for resolution via the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Byron Bay Tree Services can assist by:

  • Providing independent expert reports

  • Acting as an expert witness in court proceedings

  • Offering practical, legal, and arboricultural solutions to help avoid or resolve disputes

Need expert tree advice or an arborist report?
Contact us today to book a consultation with a certified AQF Level 5 Arborist.

Let’s Work Together