If you are preparing a development application, councils and local government authorities will often require an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) report where trees are located on or near the proposed development site. These reports assess how proposed works may impact existing trees and identify the measures needed to protect them during and after construction.
ArbCert’s AQF Level 5 and Level 8 consulting arborists prepare clear, comprehensive and defensible AIA reports tailored to the specific requirements of your project. We work closely with your design and planning team to provide practical guidance that helps optimise site layout, protect valuable trees and streamline approvals.
Every ArbCert AIA is prepared in accordance with AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites and other relevant Australian Standards. With ArbCert, you can have confidence that your report addresses key compliance requirements while delivering practical guidance to support efficient project planning and successful development outcomes.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) report is prepared by an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist to evaluate how a proposed development will affect existing trees on and around a site. The report identifies trees suitable for retention or removal, potential impacts on their health and stability, and recommends measures for protecting retained trees to ensure they remain viable.
AIA reports are commonly required as part of development applications and may be requested by councils or local government authorities to demonstrate compliance with AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
An AIA provides a detailed tree impact assessment, giving project teams a clear understanding of how proposed works may interact with existing trees. By identifying potential conflicts early, the assessment can help inform design decisions, minimise avoidable impacts and establish appropriate requirements for tree protection and retention throughout the development process. Where required, these recommendations can also form the basis of a Tree Protection Plan (TPP) for significant trees being retained on the site, which would include locations for tree protection fencing, or ground protection.
Make informed decisions from the outset and keep your development application on track with a comprehensive Arboricultural Impact Assessment report from ArbCert. By assessing tree locations, site constraints and retention requirements early, you can incorporate appropriate tree considerations into your plans and minimise the risk of unexpected issues or costly redesigns later in the development process.
An AIA addresses potential tree impacts early in the planning process, providing clear information to support your development application and help avoid unnecessary council processing delays.
All ArbCert reports are prepared by experienced AQF Level 5 or Level 8 consulting arborists, providing high-quality, clear and defensible assessments tailored to the specific requirements of your project. Our expertise helps ensure important tree-related considerations are accurately assessed and effectively communicated.
Our reports cover tree species, dimensions, health, structure and retention value, together with Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) and Structural Root Zone (SRZ) calculations in accordance with AS 4970:2025. Each report provides clear and practical recommendations to support efficient design, tree retention, appropriate protection measures and long-term tree management.
An AIA report provides a detailed evaluation of how proposed development will affect trees on and around a site. A typical AIA includes:
Choosing the right arborist can make a significant difference when tree considerations form part of your development plans. With more than 20 years of experience working alongside councils, developers and project teams, ArbCert understands the practical challenges involved in balancing development objectives with the protection and retention of trees. Our approach combines arboricultural expertise with practical project insight, helping you confidently navigate tree-related requirements at every stage of your development.
Our AQF Level 5 and Level 8 arborists assess each site with precision, providing accurate data on tree condition, retention value and protection requirements. This ensures that your AIA stands up to scrutiny and supports efficient approvals.
We translate complex tree data into usable insights for architects, planners and builders, helping you integrate tree protection into the design and construction process without unnecessary delays.
Our reports are tailored to meet council expectations, minimising the risk of delays, redesigns or compliance issues. With ArbCert, your AIA becomes a tool to help move the development application process forward smoothly.
Streamline your application with a clear, defensible Arboricultural Impact Assessment from ArbCert. Prepared by AQF Level 5 and Level 8 arborists in line with AS 4970:2025, our reports give you practical guidance to manage tree impacts and move your project forward with confidence.
Contact UsIf trees are present on or near your proposed development site, you may be required to provide an Arboricultural Impact Assessment report as part of your development application. Councils and local government authorities may request an assessment to understand potential impacts on existing trees and ensure appropriate tree retention and protection measures are considered as part of the proposed works.
In Australia, Arboricultural Impact Assessment reports must be prepared by qualified AQF Level 5 arborists. ArbCert’s experienced AQF Level 5 arborists have the expertise to deliver accurate, comprehensive and defensible AIA reports tailored to the specific requirements of your development.
The cost of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment report can vary depending on the requirements and complexity of each development application. As every assessment is tailored to the specific site and proposed works, the scope and level of detail required will influence the overall cost. Contact ArbCert to discuss your project and enquire about our arboricultural assessment services and pricing.
Our team includes AQF Level 5 and Level 8 consulting arborists with extensive industry experience. We deliver technically robust advice that is reliable, defensible and aligned with current Australian Standards.
We deliver high-quality arborist reports that meet council and regulatory requirements, supporting smooth approvals and informed decision-making.
Our experienced arborists take a straightforward, collaborative approach to every report, ensuring you receive clear communication and practical guidance every step of the way.
