The Essential Guide to Arborist Reports and Tree Removal Permits (By an AQF Level 8 Consultant)

If you’re planning to remove a tree on private property or as part of a development project, chances are you’ll need council approval - and that means providing a qualified arborist report. This guide explains everything you need to know about arborist reports, tree removal permits, and why choosing an AQF Level 8 arborist can make all the difference.

What Is an Arborist Report?

An arborist report is a formal assessment prepared by a qualified arborist to evaluate the health, structure, and significance of a tree or group of trees. These reports are commonly required by local councils when:

• Applying for a tree removal permit

• Submitting a development application

• Managing tree-related risk on residential or commercial land

• Complying with vegetation protection overlays (VPOs) or planning controls

Arborist reports provide an evidence-based rationale for tree retention, management, or removal, and are essential for ensuring regulatory compliance.

When Is a Tree Removal Permit Required?

Most councils across Melbourne and Australia require a tree removal permit if:

• The tree meets minimum size or height thresholds

• The property is in a zone covered by a Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO), Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO), or similar

• The tree species is listed as protected

• The proposed works could impact a tree’s root zone or structure

Check your local council’s planning scheme or speak with a consulting arborist to confirm what permits apply to your property.

Why Choose an AQF Level 8 Arborist?

AQF Level 8 represents the highest level of qualification in Australian arboriculture. This means the arborist has completed postgraduate education, typically a Graduate Diploma in Arboriculture, with advanced skills in tree biology, risk assessment, and urban tree management.

Here’s why choosing an AQF Level 8 consulting arborist matters:

• Credibility: Councils and planning authorities are more likely to accept and trust reports from a highly qualified consultant

• Depth of Analysis: Advanced knowledge allows for more nuanced recommendations and justifications

• Strategic Advice: An AQF Level 8 arborist can help navigate complex planning overlays and negotiate tree retention or removal outcomes

• Defensible Reporting: In the event of disputes or VCAT hearings, reports from highly qualified arborists hold more weight

What Should a Good Arborist Report Include?

A high-quality arborist report should include:

• Tree species, dimensions, and location

• Health and structural condition

• Environmental or planning context (e.g., overlays, significance)

• Risk assessment (if applicable)

• Tree protection zones (TPZ) and structural root zones (SRZ)

• Impact assessment if near proposed works

• Justification for removal or retention

• Photographs and site plans

• Recommendations for management, pruning, or removal

Common Mistakes to Avoid.

• Using an unqualified or low-level arborist (AQF Level 3 is not sufficient for consulting)

• Submitting reports that lack planning context or clear justification

• Failing to check local vegetation protection rules

• Ignoring development impacts on tree roots and long-term health

Tree Removal Permit Requirements in Melbourne’s Outer Eastern Suburbs

Many councils in Melbourne’s outer east have strict tree protection laws, often linked to vegetation overlays, bushfire management, and neighbourhood character. Here’s what you need to know:

Yarra Ranges Council

• Tree removal on private land may require a permit if your property is covered by a Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) or Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO).

• Properties in Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) areas also have complex exemptions.

• Council often requests arborist reports to justify tree removal, particularly for development or dual occupancy proposals.

• Engaging an AQF Level 8 arborist ensures your report is well-reasoned and complies with both planning and environmental expectations.

Manningham Council

• Properties covered by SLO1 through SLO9 have strict controls on tree removal.

• A permit is required to remove any tree with a DBH (diameter at breast height) of 50cm or more, or a tree identified as significant in the planning scheme.

• Arborist reports must clearly justify removal, including health, structure, and development impact assessments.

• Manningham favours thorough documentation—reports from AQF Level 8 consultants add strength to your application.

Maroondah Council

• Tree protection is primarily regulated through local laws and planning overlays.

• Removal of trees over a certain size may require a Local Law Permit, especially on lots under subdivision or with overlays.

• Arborist reports are often requested to determine risk, health, or species significance.

• For subdivision, dual occupancy, or site cuts near tree protection zones, a qualified consulting arborist is essential.

Knox City Council

• The Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO3 and SLO5) protects canopy trees and vegetation across large areas of Knox.

• Tree removal permits are generally required for trees over 5m high or with a trunk circumference over 1m (measured at 1.5m above ground).

• Arborist reports are mandatory in permit applications—especially when development may impact root zones.

• A clear, defensible report by an AQF Level 8 arborist helps ensure council approval.

Whitehorse Council

• Under the Tree Protection Local Law, you need a permit to remove any tree with a single trunk circumference of 50cm or more (at 1m above ground).

• In addition to local laws, many areas are covered by SLOs, requiring full planning permit applications.

• Council requires arborist reports prepared by suitably qualified professionals to assess risk, health, and species value.

Navigating Council Rules Made Simple

Understanding whether you need a tree removal permit (and what’s needed to get one) can be difficult. Every council has different rules, and many expect reports to come from experienced consulting arborists—ideally with an AQF Level 8 qualification.

Based in Melbourne’s east?

At AUDITREE, we work closely with councils across the Yarra Ranges, Manningham, Maroondah, Knox, and surrounding areas. Our reports are tailored to your property, your trees, and your local regulations.

How AUDITREE Can Help?

We specialise in arborist reports for planning and development. Led by an AQF Level 8 consulting arborist, our team delivers clear, compliant, and council-ready documentation to support your tree removal permit applications.

Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or town planner, we provide practical advice rooted in deep arboricultural knowledge.