Frequently Asked Questions

How can an arborist assist me?

  • Arborists are tree experts who have been trained to follow Australian standards of tree pruning and care to ensure the best results for the tree, the ecosystem and the safety of nearby residents. 

    Tree loppers are generally unlicensed climbers or fellers who cut trees for a nominal fee. They often lack the training and knowledge required to properly care for trees.

  • Consulting Arborists are independent specialists who provide expert diagnosis and risk management, plus a broad knowledge of tree health, structural properties and local species characteristics.

    Because they do not perform the cutting themselves, their advice is unbiased and objective. You hire a consultant when you need an authoritative, qualified tree report to navigate council red tape, to manage property risk, or to save a significant tree.

  • We do not. High Country Arborist Reports are independent consultants, so this ensures our advice is unbiased—we don't recommend tree removals just so we can "win the work."

    However, we do work with trusted tree-work contractors to carry out our recommended works. So, while we don’t organise tree works directly, we’re happy to guide you on what to look for in a reputable tree work contractor.

Tree report specifics

  • We will first send you a quote outlining the costs associated with our services. Once we receive your confirmation, we will book in a site visit to complete an assessment of the relevant trees. We then prepare your written tree report and forward the final copy via email.

  • This varies depending on the style of report, but useful documents that will assist us include: feature survey, aerial imagery, fully-dimensioned plans for the project, landscaping plans and/or council Requests For Information

  • If you are a landholder with trees on your site or within 5m of common boundaries, then most councils will require a tree report for any renovations proposals or development applications. This is likely to be an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA). This type of report will identify all relevant trees for removal or retention and outline strategies for managing or protecting the trees during the construction process.

  • Yes, our tree reports meet the guidelines specified by Council Arboriculture Victoria and the Australian Standard 4970-2025: Protection of Trees on Development Sites. This ensures they are accepted by all local planning authorities. If you have received a specific council Request for Information (RFI) the report will respond to the points raised in the RFI also.

  • Following on from a site visit, most standard reports are delivered within 5-7 business days.

    If you’re really in a rush, get in touch and we’ll see if we can assist with that urgent deadline.

Planning permits and tree removals

  • This depends on your location and on any council overlays. Many councils both in Victoria and NSW so have property overlays that require residents to apply for permits to remove trees. We can help identify your tree’s status and guide you through the permit process.

  • We can never predict the mysterious motivations of councils, but what we can say is that an AQF Level 5 arborist report provides the kind of evidence-based data that councils require.

    Many councils do request that tree removal applications are accompanied by a comprehensive report written by a qualified consulting arborist.

  • This refers to the area known as Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), or Notional Root Zone (NRZ). This is a theoretical circle around a tree where crown and roots are protected from damage via development (excavation, building or similar).

    Developers are advised not to encroach more than 10% of this zone. A consulting arborist is required to provide advice and justifications for impacts greater than 10%.

Trees and your local laws

  • Clearing native vegetation in both NSW and Victoria is strictly regulated. A Native Vegetation Assessment identifies what tree are "exempt" and what tree might require an offset or permit. This ensures you won’t be on the hook for environmental fines.

  • Under the 10-30 or 10-50 rules, you may be exempt from a permit to clear certain vegetation around your home for fire protection. However, these rules are site-specific.

    We recommend a quick consultation to ensure you don't inadvertently breach the Planning and Environment Act.

  • While the Victorian Native Vegetation Clause 52.17 only applies to blocks larger than 4000m2, there is a new Victorian Canopy Tree Clause 52.37 (introduced Sept 2025) which covers all areas of the state.

    Under 52.37, many trees on smaller residential blocks now require permits for removal. We can assist you to navigate these permit requirements.

Victorian Canopy Tree Clause 52.37 rules

  • A tree is protected if it meets all three of these criteria:

    • Height more than 5m

    • Trunk circumference more than 0.5m (measured at 1.4m above ground)

    • Canopy diameter more than 4m across

  • This depends on your site. If the land is currently vacant, then a permit is required for all Canopy Tree removals.

    If you have an existing dwelling, a removal permit is generally only required for Boundary Canopy Trees — these are trees within 6m of the front boundary or 4.5m of the rear boundary.

  • If you're lodging a planning permit for a new development, Clause 52.37 covers every Canopy Tree on your property, regardless of where it's located.

    You will also be required to retain some existing trees or provide a Replacement Planting Plan to reach 10–20% canopy cover across the site at maturity.

Tree risk and public safety for landholders

  • Homeowners and landholders should visually inspect their own trees. Look for obvious defects such as deep cracks in the trunk, fungal brackets (mushrooms) on the trunk, "hangers" (broken branches), or soil heaving at the root plate.

    A formal Tree Risk Assessment can then help to identify any potential risks.

  • Yes. While a tree might appear healthy at first glance, we use the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method to identify indicators of internal decay.

    Inspecting arborists look for specific physiological signs such as decay pockets, bracket fungi (fruiting bodies), and abnormal trunk swelling. By analysing these defects, we can determine the presence of internal decay or structural integrity issues within the tree.

  • For high-traffic venues such as caravan parks and schools, an annual check-up is recommended. However, after major storm events a spot-check may be required.

  • No. Any tree owner or land manager is not expected to guarantee that a tree is safe.

    The owner only must take only reasonable care to reduce risk as far as possible. Reasonable care should include regular tree risk assessments as part of ongoing site upkeep.