Project Arborist Services – Construction Supervision – AS 4970 Compliance
Our local Level 5 arborists act as the Project Arborist for developments across the Stonnington Council area, including South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Malvern, Malvern East, Glen Iris, Armadale, Toorak and Kooyong.
Project Arborist Services Commonly Include
- Planning permit arborist reports (DA equivalent)
- Tree protection oversight during construction works
- Final certification for council compliance matters
A Project Arborist is usually engaged once planning approval has been granted to manage tree protection measures, construction-stage compliance and final sign-off requirements.
This provides consistent arboricultural oversight from the approval stage through to project completion.
With more than 32 years of consulting experience, we prepare council-ready arborist documentation relied upon by planners, architects, builders and certifiers.
What Is a Project Arborist?
A Project Arborist is a Level 5 Consulting Arborist appointed to manage tree-related requirements throughout the planning and construction process.
Responsibilities commonly include:
- Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
- Planning permit arborist reports
- Tree protection measures and AS 4970 compliance documentation
These reports explain how proposed works interact with existing trees and provide the technical information council uses during assessment.
What Does a Project Arborist Do?
- Early design input before plans are finalised
- Preparation of planning permit arborist documentation
- Assessment of tree retention and justified removals
- Review of permit conditions and arboricultural obligations
- Responses to council Requests for Further Information (RFI)
- TPZ and SRZ calculations with compliance guidance
- On-site monitoring during construction works
- Final inspections and completion certification
When Should a Project Arborist Be Engaged?
- Before architectural or engineering plans are locked in
- During planning permit lodgement stages
- Prior to site works or demolition commencing
- Where council conditions require arborist oversight
- Where retained trees are close to proposed construction
Planning Permit Stage – Tree Assessment & Compliance
- Practical feasibility of retaining existing trees
- TPZ and SRZ calculations for design review
- Justification where tree removal is proposed
- Assessment of impacts on nearby vegetation and canopy
Where trees are affected by development, council generally requires clear arboricultural evidence to support the application.
Read more about Clause 52.37 Council Assessment for canopy and planning permit trigger requirements.
Construction Stage – AS 4970 Compliance & Supervision
- Establishment of Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
- Structural Root Zone (SRZ) management
- Encroachment calculations and mitigation advice
- Protection fencing set-out and monitoring
- Excavation methodology near retained trees
- Construction sequencing to reduce tree impact
Tree Management Plans (AS 4970) outline protection requirements during construction.
Tree Root Investigation & Mapping (Development Sites)
- Non-destructive AirSpade root investigations
- Root mapping to assist design coordination
- Verification of TPZ and SRZ constraints
- Identification of significant structural roots
- Advice for footings, services and excavation design
Read more on Tree Root Investigation & Mapping for detailed root assessment methodology.
This approach can reduce unnecessary removals, minimise redesign costs and help projects progress efficiently.
Advanced Testing & Structural Assessment
- Resistograph testing for internal decay detection
- Detailed structural condition inspections
When Is a Project Arborist Required?
- Retained trees located close to building footprints
- Basement excavation near important root zones
- Council-imposed arborist supervision conditions
- Proposed TPZ or SRZ encroachments
- Multi-unit or medium-density developments
- Tight urban sites with limited construction space
Frequently Asked Questions
A Project Arborist manages tree-related requirements for development projects from planning approval through to construction completion.
This may include arborist reports for planning permits, Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) guidance, construction supervision, compliance reporting and final certification where required by council conditions.
You may need a Project Arborist where trees are being retained near proposed works, where council conditions require arborist supervision, or where development impacts Tree Protection Zones or Structural Root Zones.
Early engagement can help avoid delays, redesign costs and compliance issues.
In many cases, yes. Planning permit applications involving trees often require a Level 5 arborist report.
The report typically assesses tree condition, development impacts, retention feasibility, TPZ and SRZ constraints, and any justified removals.
Yes. A Project Arborist can supervise works near retained trees and help ensure compliance with AS 4970 requirements.
This may include fencing checks, excavation guidance, root protection measures and staged site inspections during construction.
Fast-track options are available for urgent projects, subject to site access and project scope.
We provide timely, council-ready documentation to help keep planning permits and construction programs moving without unnecessary delays.
Local Development Context – Stonnington
Across South Yarra, Toorak and Prahran, development sites commonly involve retained canopy trees within constrained urban building envelopes.
Our Level 5 Project Arborists prepare Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) and planning permit arborist reports to support approval and avoid redesign delays.
Across Malvern, Malvern East and Glen Iris, medium-density and residential developments frequently trigger TPZ and SRZ constraints.
We provide AS 4970-compliant supervision, reporting and on-site guidance to ensure projects proceed without delays or compliance issues.
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