AQF Level 5 arborist reports.
Reports for council permits, planning applications, tree protection plans, VCAT submissions and insurance claims. Written by AQF Level 5 (Diploma of Arboriculture) qualified arborists.
Permits, planning, protection, insurance, dispute.
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 the state-wide Clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees) introduced a new permit requirement for removing, destroying or lopping canopy trees in most Victorian residential zones. It applies in addition to planning overlays and council local laws, so many properties that previously needed no permit for backyard tree removal now do. Applications are assessed under the fast-tracked VicSmart process (10 business days), and a report supporting removal on health or stability grounds must be prepared by a suitably qualified arborist and address the specific zone, overlay, and exemption criteria that apply to the property.
Reports issued by Hilly's Trees & Landscapes are written by AQF Level 5 arborists (Diploma of Arboriculture, AHC50516). They comply with AS 4970:2025 (Protection of Trees on Development Sites) and AS 4373-2007 (Pruning of Amenity Trees) where applicable, and are formatted to each Melbourne council's specific lodgement requirements.
Priced by scope, not by tree count.
Single-tree removal reports are straightforward. Multi-tree planning reports for development sites take longer.
Development sites with TPZ assessments, encroachment calcs, and a planting plan if needed.
- AS4970 compliant
- Site plan drawings
- Council pre-lodgement check
Rush turnaround (2 business days from site visit) available for an extra fee.
The standard process.
You call
Tell us which council, what you're trying to achieve, and when the planner needs it. We'll book the site visit.
Site visit
AQF Level 5 arborists walk the property, measure, photograph, and assess every relevant tree.
Report drafted
Full report written to AS4970/AS4373 and your specific council's format. Usually 5 to 7 business days.
Lodged with council
We submit through the council's planning portal or hand it to your planner or builder. Your call.
Every Melbourne council, every overlay.
We've written reports lodged with every Melbourne council. Each one has slightly different format and lodgement quirks. We know them.
Across Melbourne, focused on the east and south east.
The questions we get most.
Related services.
Tree Removal
Council-permit-handled tree removal across the eastern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. AQF Level 5 assessment, AS4373 standard, $20M public liability.
Learn more
For Builders + Developers
Pre-construction arborist reports, tree removals, site clearing, tree protection zone (TPZ) install, and AS4970 sign-off. Single contact, single invoice, schedule aligned to your build.
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Land Clearing
Tree removal, vegetation clearance, stump grinding and mulching on residential blocks and development sites. Permits lodged, neighbours notified, builder-ready handover.
Learn moreBook a site visit.
Free, on-site, by AQF qualified arborists. Written quote in your inbox within two business days.