A tree can give more joy, cause more trouble and even pose a greater hazard than most people ever realise.

A badly located tree in a garen with poor soil can be deadly. It can ruin a garden and make it more difficult to sell. It can even bring down an entire house. That's why an arborist report is essential. Tree reports are crucial for applications at local councils especially if you need a tree removed. An arborist report cost ranges between $300 and $500. Arborist fees estimate for other services depending on what is required. For example, stump grinding will cost differently when compared to removing an entire tree in the backyard. Arborist prices may vary depending on the tree species, for example, between hardwood trees and palm trees. The cost might also differ depending on whether they charge an hourly rate or per tree job. All these factors will influence the cost of an arborist report.

What does an arborist do?

An arborist has studied trees, learnt about their structure and growth habits and how to manage them so they can be healthy.

Arborists may be self-employed or work for a company that provides tree care services. Arborists receive training to recognise problems with trees and spend time inspecting them thoroughly. If a tree removal contradicts the vegetation protection overlay, a hazard assessment by a certified arborist can justify the tree disposal and facilitate a council approval.

Services offered by an arborist

Trees are complex organisms that need care, attention, proper pruning and assistance to continue thriving for many years. An arborist offers a wide range of tree-related services to meet these needs. If you own property with mature or old trees you should consult with an arborist before any pruning is done on your trees because it can be extremely dangerous if not done properly. For example, when there are live power lines around the tree or working close to high voltage utility lines can be dangerous if work practices are not followed properly. The safety of the workers is one of the prime considerations for professional arborists. Once trees are pruned they may require staking to help them stand up if they've been laid low by wind or heavy snow, especially younger trees. If commercial tree services are required they can also be provided through an arborist like stump removal, cabling and bracing or crown raising where needed.

What is in an arborist's report?

An arborist report is a report prepared after doing a tree inspection. It provides the client with advice on the current health and future management of trees and it contains high quality, detailed line drawings showing the location of the tree in relation to existing buildings, other trees and any power lines. The report is essential for public places for monitoring tree health for the provision of a safe environment. This report is also essential for your tree permit application.

Below are some items that may be contained in an arborist report.

  • Site visit comments.

  • General description including tree size & tree species and trunk diameter.

  • Details of all significant defects or issues that have been identified during assessment.

  • Any recommendations for effective long term management or control of any undesirable conditions identified.

  • Full-scale drawings which show the location, spread and crown configuration of each tree.

  • Full set of inspection measurements including diameter at breast height (dbh), crown length, crown width and total height.

  • If required by the local council for the local council, arborist reports may include supporting photos/images taken during the inspection.

  • Any significant features or defects, all existing buildings and structures which are within the tree's rooting zone (i.e. its area of influence where it can cause damage to other trees, buildings, underground services or people by its size and weight).

Does an arborist prune trees?

Yes. A qualified arborist may do tree pruning to improve their structure, health and appearance. Pruning can also increase their life expectancy if done properly. A professional arborist will always keep the tree's natural shape in mind when they prune so as not to compromise its ability to collect water and nutrients efficiently. When an arborist is doing their professional work, they abide by all safety precautions required for working around electricity lines, using ladders or leaning over areas where there are no barriers. Focus on safety makes them a valuable asset when it comes to performing tasks that require attention to detail with minimal disturbance of surroundings.

What does an arborist do during a site visit?

The first thing an arborist does when they arrive for a site visit is to assess the needs of each tree by looking at its form, health and habitat. For example, an arborist would note whether a tree is diseased or if it has been pruned improperly in the past even if this was done just once. Such information can help them decide on a specific plan for managing that particular tree or group of trees in question which may include the below.

  • Cutting certain branches or removing dead wood.

  • Removing parts of the crown of a large tree because it's too dense for other branches to get sufficient access to sunlight, which could cause decay or compromise their structure.

  • Crown thinning so as not to compromise branch stability or tree health.

  • Crown lifting if there are large branches that are obstructing pathways, power lines or traffic areas below.

  • Removing parts of the crown to increase clearance for traffic around the trunk or beneath it so as not to create a hazard for pedestrians or vehicles below.

After tree inspections, the arborist will then propose specific management strategies and pruning schedules that suit each tree's needs best. To ensure the proposed program is followed through properly once work has been completed, an arborist's report includes details on how any tree should be cared for in the future or recommend removal for council approval if a tree is dangerous.

How long does an arborist report take?

An arborist report can often take several days to complete depending on the number of trees you have on your property and their individual needs. The more time they can spend analysing each tree's health and form, the better their level of detail in the final assessment will be. This leads to more accurate information. A professional arborist will also prepare drawings that show each tree's location, canopy spread and crown configuration as well as any defects or a potential fire hazard that may need attention.

They may also include photos or images to help illustrate in more detail any issue or benefit related to tree pruning. To remove a tree, you may require approval from the local council, an arborist report will be crucial here. Keen to know more about the skills of an arborist? Take a look at the course outlines on training.gov.au.