Do You Need a Tree Management Plan for Development?
A Tree Management Plan (TMP) is generally required where trees are retained or potentially impacted by development.
Under the Victorian Planning Scheme and Stonnington Council requirements, a TMP demonstrates how retained trees will be protected during planning assessment and throughout construction in accordance with AS 4970 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
Tree Management Plans are commonly required for:
- Planning Permit applications
- Development impacting Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
- Sites with retained canopy trees
- Projects involving excavation, driveways or services near trees
Our AQF Level 5 arborists prepare Tree Management Plans that support council approval and construction compliance, helping projects proceed efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
What Is a Tree Management Plan?
A Tree Management Plan is a planning and construction document outlining how retained trees will be protected from design stage through to project completion.
It converts arborist recommendations into clear on-site protection measures and compliance controls.
A TMP typically includes:
- Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ)
- Protection fencing locations and specifications
- Ground protection requirements
- Approved construction and access areas
- Restricted zones for excavation or material storage
- Arborist inspection and supervision requirements
The purpose of the TMP is to maintain compliance with AS 4970 and reduce avoidable tree damage during development works.
Tree Protection Under AS 4970
Tree protection measures commonly include:
- Establishing TPZ and SRZ areas based on trunk diameter
- Installing protective fencing before construction begins
- Preventing vehicle movement and soil compaction within TPZ areas
- Restricting excavation near significant roots
- Managing site access to minimise structural root damage
Failure to follow approved protection measures can lead to tree decline, removal requirements or breaches of planning permit conditions.
Planning Permit vs Construction Stage
Planning Stage (Approval)
- Submitted as part of the planning permit process
- Demonstrates proposed tree protection measures
- Assists council assessment and decision-making
- Identifies design constraints early in the project
Construction Stage
- Implemented during on-site construction works
- Controls access, excavation and protection areas
- Requires arborist supervision where specified
- Helps ensure successful long-term tree retention
Both stages are important for achieving compliant development outcomes.
When Tree Management Plans Become Critical
TMPs are particularly important where:
- Trees are retained close to buildings or infrastructure
- Construction enters TPZ areas
- Basement or footing systems impact root zones
- Driveways or underground services are located near retained trees
- Constrained urban sites increase pressure on canopy retention
Council commonly conditions planning permits requiring a TMP before construction commences.
Common Tree Protection Failures
- Incorrect installation of protection fencing
- Unauthorised encroachment into TPZ areas
- Construction proceeding without arborist supervision
- Soil compaction within protected zones
- Excavation too close to structural roots
- Failure to follow approved TMP requirements
These issues commonly result in tree decline, compliance problems and avoidable canopy loss.
How TMPs Relate to Clause 52.37
Clause 52.37 requires canopy trees to achieve long-term performance outcomes.
Tree Management Plans help ensure retained trees are:
- Protected during construction
- Able to survive development impacts
- Capable of reaching mature canopy size over time
TMPs work alongside:
Frequently Asked Questions
A TMP is commonly required where retained trees may be affected by development or construction works.
Council often requires a Tree Management Plan where Tree Protection Zones or nearby vegetation are impacted during development.
A TMP outlines how retained trees will be protected throughout the project.
This commonly includes TPZ and SRZ mapping, fencing requirements, access controls, ground protection and arborist supervision measures.
Tree Management Plans should be prepared by an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist.
Experienced arborists ensure the plan aligns with AS 4970 requirements and relevant council conditions.
Failure to comply may result in tree damage, enforcement action or breaches of planning permit conditions.
Non-compliance can also lead to canopy loss, project delays and additional rectification requirements.
Local Development Context – Stonnington
Across South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor, Tree Management Plans are commonly required where development occurs within constrained urban sites and retained trees are located near building footprints.
Across Malvern, Malvern East and Glen Iris, basement construction and extensions frequently trigger TPZ encroachments requiring detailed AS 4970-compliant protection plans.
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