Arborist reports in Melbourne
Reports for council permits, planning applications, tree protection plans, VCAT submissions and insurance claims. Written by AQF Level 5 (Diploma of Arboriculture) qualified arborists.
Responding to a council or planner's request
An arborist report is the formal written assessment of a tree or group of trees, prepared by a qualified arborist for submission to council, a planner, an insurer, or a court. The most common triggers are: removal of a canopy tree regulated under Clause 52.37, construction within the tree protection zone (TPZ) of a protected tree, planning permit applications on properties affected by a Vegetation Protection Overlay or similar, and insurance claims following storm damage.
On 15 September 2025 Clause 52.37 introduced a state permit trigger for qualifying canopy trees in specified residential zones and site situations. It can operate alongside overlays and other controls. Eligible complete applications may use VicSmart, but another permit trigger can change the pathway. A report relying on tree health or stability needs to address the actual tree, property and decision criteria.
Reports issued by Hilly's Trees & Landscapes are written by an AQF Level 5 arborist. AS 4970 is applied to development-site tree protection where relevant, and AS 4373 informs pruning specifications where pruning is within scope. The report structure and attachments are matched to the purpose of the assessment and the responsible authority's published requirements.
The standard process.
Send the request and plans
Tell us what you need to achieve. Include any council or planner request, drawings and the date the information is needed.
Confirm the assessment
The site visit and report requirements are agreed for the property and purpose of the work.
Prepare the report
An AQF Level 5 arborist prepares the agreed report, addressing the evidence and relevant requirements. Any CAD diagrams are prepared to the agreed brief.
Provide the documents
We supply the report for its agreed purpose. Confirm whether lodgement assistance or further responses are part of the work.
Reports matched to the responsible authority.
Information requirements vary with the council, planning control and type of application. We confirm the responsible authority and current published requirements before the report scope is agreed.
Regular work across Melbourne's east, south east, bayside and north.
The questions we get most.
Related services.
Tree Removal
Tree assessment, removal method, access, permit assumptions and clean-up set out in writing before work is scheduled. Regular service across Melbourne and $20M public liability.
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For Builders + Developers
Pre-construction arborist reports, approved tree removals, site clearing and tree protection-zone work coordinated against the planning permit and build program.
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Land Clearing
Tree removal, vegetation clearance, stump grinding and mulching on residential blocks and development sites. The property controls, retained vegetation and handover condition are agreed before work starts.
Learn moreReports, CAD diagrams and tree work for your site.
Managing a school or shared property, or planning a building project? Discuss the reports, tree work and associated landscaping you need, and how the agreed work will be organised.
Commercial arborist services in MelbourneTell us about the job.
Tree work, landscaping or a project that needs both. Tell us what you have in mind and we will discuss the next step, including a site visit if needed.