FAQ

Why is it important to engage a Treescience Consulting Arborist?

Consenting authorities and legal associations require specific levels of qualifications and experience. The Australian Standard AS4970-2009: Protection of Trees on Development Sites states that a person preparing a report or performing arboricultural supervision must hold a minimum AQF Level 5 in Arboriculture.

At Treescience, we all exceed the mandatory AQF Level 5 requirements of AS4970-2009 given our tertiary qualifications and practical experience.

Can Treescience provide the right report to meet Government requirements?

Yes.

We have extensive experience producing arborist reports from initial assessment to final document that meet the specific requirements within Government and Consenting Authorities.

Our expertise pertains to planning procedures within local and state Government including the relevant guidelines of Australian Standard.

How much will an onsite consultation and/or tree report cost?

We have a standard service price list and can provide this information to you as part of the initial consultation procedure.

For highly detailed work and expert witness services, you will receive a fee proposal that will outline our brief and associated costs.

What is remnant vegetation?

Remnant vegetation is all integral and predominantly intact vegetation communities, excluding young regrowth.

What is a Vegetation Protection Order (VPO)?

VPO is a category of protected vegetation. A VPO may be made by Council’s at any time to require the land owner to apply to Council before interfering with vegetation on their land.

Read more about Development Planning & Tree Protection Zones here

Does this property contain protected vegetation?

You may have protected vegetation, particularly if the property is:

• Located on a river or a waterway corridor
• Is located in a bushland area or rural area
• Contains large (Significant) trees, particularly in an urban area
• Has heritage &/or cultural values

To determine if there is protected vegetation within your property, you must contact the local council and complete a property search.

What does ‘interfering with protected vegetation’ mean?

Examples of interfering with protected vegetation can include but are not limited to:

• Removing
• Pruning
• Poisoning,
• Ringbarking,
• Damaging tree roots or any branches.

What is a Consulting Arborist?

Most local and state government bodies classify a consulting arborist as an AQF Level 5 (Diploma) Arborist with at least five years post-graduate experience in arboricultural principles and practices, including tree hazard assessment and a reporting standard that satisfies government.

Professional industry governing bodies such as the Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturalists (IACA), of which we are members, states that the role of the consulting arborist is to:

1. Provide objective and accurate assessments of impacts of development on existing trees
2. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team providing best practice assessment of and reporting on trees
3. Provide Arboricultural services during all phases of development
4. Provide qualified and objective assessment of tree-related risks, tree health and tree management
5. Maintain qualifications and skills through on-going professional development and membership of applicable industry organisations.