Types of Tree Development Reports

• Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment Report.
• Arboricultural Impact Assessment.
  • Pruning Specification.
  • Non-Destructive Root Investigations.
• Tree Protection Management Plan and Specification.
• Tree Transplanting Methodology Statement.
• Work Method Statement.

 

Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment Report

A preliminary tree assessment is done at the pre-design stage. This happens once all existing trees have been accurately plotted on a survey map.

The report aims to find design opportunities and constraints. It will do this by evaluating tree retention values. It will also determine Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ).

Collect general info for each tree. This info should include:

• A tree number.
• Botanical name.
• Height and canopy spread.
• Vigor and structure.
• Age class.
• Tree significance and estimated life span.
• Heritage / cultural matters.
• Ecological and habitat matters.
• Function (screening or feature tree).
• Other relevant matters like surface roots and trunk diameter at breast height (DBH), TPZ, and SRZ.

The report's info is used by planners, architects, and designers with planning rules and other laws. They use it to design the layout so that trees selected for retention have enough space to remain viable into the future.
 

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

A suitably qualified and experienced AQF Level 5 Arborist should prepare an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) report. They should do this once the final design layout is complete. An AIA must be written in accordance with Australian Standards ‘Trees on development sites’ AS4970-2009 and the Georges River Tree Management Policy. Based on the proposed plans i.e. architectural, services and landscape, the AIA report will identify trees to be removed, retained or transplanted.

The report will discuss the impacts of development on trees to be kept. It will also suggest construction methods to reduce the impacts in the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). It will use part 3.3.2 of AS4970-2009. The report will detail tree protection for specific sites. It will cover all stages of development, from demolition to getting the final occupation certification (OC).

Each site is different. So, impacts to existing trees can vary. They can include impacts to a tree's canopy and/or roots. Such impacts will be discussed and assessed in the AIA report by including a pruning specification and/or non-destructive root investigations (refer to 3.3.4 of AS4970-2009).
 

Tree Protection Management Plan and Specification

A Tree Protection Management Plan and Specification sets out the tree protection measures. They must be followed through all stages of development. This includes before demolition or construction work and up to receiving an OC. A Tree Protection Management Plan and Specification are often in an AIA report. But they can also be an individual report.
 

Tree Transplanting Methodology Statement

A Tree Transplanting Methodology explains how an existing tree will be moved to another place on the site. The statement must be prepared by a suitably qualified arborist with a minimum qualification of AQF 5 level in Arboriculture. The statement will include site/tree preparation methods, transplantation methods and aftercare.
 

Work Method Statement

A specialised and detailed report that provides clear direction on how certain construction works will occur within the TPZ.

Minimum Required Information for Trees on Development Sites Checklist.