An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) evaluates how a proposed development may affect existing trees on or adjoining a site. It is commonly required as part of a Development Application where building works, driveways, excavation, retaining walls or other construction activities may encroach into a tree’s Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) or Structural Root Zone (SRZ).
TreeScope Consulting provides Arboricultural Impact Assessments across Sydney prepared by an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist. Our assessments consider tree species, dimensions, health, structural condition, retention value, TPZ and SRZ requirements, proposed development impacts and practical tree-protection measures.
Where development encroachment is proposed, we assess the likely level of impact and provide clear arboricultural recommendations to assist architects, builders, developers and property owners with council submissions. Reports are prepared with reference to AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites and applicable local council requirements.
Where necessary, further investigation such as tree root mapping may also be recommended to confirm root locations and help determine whether proposed works can proceed while retaining important trees.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment may be required where proposed development has the potential to affect trees located on the subject site, neighbouring properties or adjoining public land. Council may request an AIA as part of a Development Application to demonstrate how existing trees will be protected and whether the proposed works can be completed without unacceptable impacts.
Common situations include new dwellings and extensions, driveways, garages, retaining walls, excavation, swimming pools, service trenches and other construction works located within or close to a tree’s Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) or Structural Root Zone (SRZ).
An AIA may also be required where development involves significant TPZ encroachment, proposed tree removal, changes to ground levels or where further investigation is needed to determine whether important trees can be retained.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment provides a detailed review of the trees that may be affected by a proposed development. The assessment is tailored to the site, the proposed works and the relevant council requirements.
A typical AIA prepared by TreeScope Consulting may include:
Where significant encroachment is proposed, the report will consider whether the impact can be reduced through design changes, construction methods or additional root investigation.
A key part of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment is determining how proposed development may affect a tree’s Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) and Structural Root Zone (SRZ).
The TPZ represents the area required to help maintain the tree’s long-term health and stability during development. The SRZ relates more specifically to the tree’s structural root system and the area required to support tree stability.
Where proposed buildings, driveways, retaining walls, excavation or other works extend into these areas, TreeScope Consulting assesses the extent of the encroachment and the likely arboricultural impact.
Where appropriate, practical recommendations may include design modifications, construction methods, tree protection measures or further investigation such as root mapping to determine whether important structural roots are present within the proposed work area.
Our assessments are prepared with reference to AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites and the requirements of the relevant local council.
TreeScope Consulting provides independent arboricultural advice for residential, commercial and development projects across Sydney. Our reports are prepared by an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist with experience assessing trees in relation to Development Applications, construction works and council requirements.
An experienced consulting arborist can review development plans, identify potential conflicts with trees early in the design process and recommend practical measures to reduce impacts. This can help architects, builders, developers and property owners address arboricultural issues before they become delays during the approval or construction process.
Our Arboricultural Impact Assessments are prepared to provide clear, practical and site-specific recommendations that can be submitted to the relevant local council as part of the development assessment process.
Contact TreeScope Consulting to discuss your project, council requirements and report needs.
TreeScope Consulting provides independent arboricultural advice focused on clear, practical solutions for development and council requirements. Our assessments are prepared by an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist and are tailored to the specific site, proposed works and relevant council controls.
We assist homeowners, architects, builders, developers and project managers with arboricultural reports for Development Applications and construction planning across Sydney.
An AIA may be required where proposed development could affect trees on the site, neighbouring properties or public land. Council requirements vary, but an assessment is commonly requested where works encroach into a tree’s TPZ or SRZ.
Councils commonly require an appropriately qualified consulting arborist. TreeScope Consulting prepares AIA reports through an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist experienced in development and council requirements.
The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is the area required to help protect a tree’s health and root system during development. The Structural Root Zone (SRZ) relates more specifically to the roots required for tree stability.
Development within a TPZ may be possible depending on the extent and location of the encroachment, tree condition and construction method. An AIA assesses the likely impact and may recommend design changes, tree protection measures or further root investigation.
Root mapping may be recommended where proposed works are close to a tree and the location of important roots needs to be confirmed. This can assist with assessing development impacts and determining whether trees can be retained.
TreeScope Consulting provides AQF Level 5 arborist reports for Development Applications, TPZ/SRZ assessment and council requirements across Sydney.
