An arborist report for your council tree permit
Every council across Sydney decides tree applications a little differently, but they ask for the same kind of evidence: is the tree healthy, is it structurally sound, is it a risk to people or property, and can the problem be fixed without removing it? A report from a consulting arborist answers those questions in a form the council's own tree officer can check.
When you need one
You won't need a report for every tree. Councils usually ask for one when the tree is large or significant; when you're claiming it's dead, dying or dangerous; when it's on a development site; when it's causing structural damage (council may also want an engineer's or plumber's report); or when you're appealing a refusal or taking a neighbour dispute to court.
Some councils send their own arborist to inspect every application. Sutherland Shire does, so a report there is optional unless you're lodging under its TRAQ fee line or reviewing a refusal. Liverpool and Ryde expect an AQF 5 report for removals. Our main website has every council's rules.
What "AQF Level 5" means
The Australian Qualifications Framework levels in arboriculture run from Certificate II to a Graduate Diploma. AHC30824 Certificate III in Arboriculture (AQF 3) is the trade qualification for climbing and EWP arborists. AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF 5) is described as the qualification "for consulting arborists and tree managers" who assess trees and write reports. Both of our consulting arborists hold the Level 5 qualification.
What a good report contains
Sutherland Shire's published checklist is a good benchmark for any council:
- the author's name, qualifications and licence numbers
- the brief, site address, inspection date and method, including TRAQ forms if used
- a site map with every tree numbered
- for each tree: scientific and common name, height, canopy spread, trunk diameter, condition, and the tree protection zone and structural root zone
- a discussion of the evidence, such as decay, cracks, root damage and lean, with captioned photos
- the options (keep, prune, remove), how feasible each is, and a recommendation
What it costs
We quote each report once we know the council, the tree and the application. The council's own application fee is separate and paid to the council: roughly $56 to $230 across Sydney councils, $213 in the Sutherland Shire in 2026/27 ($90 for pensioners).
Sources: AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture, training.gov.au; Sutherland Shire Council, arborist reports.
Questions people ask us
Does a report guarantee approval?
No. The council decides. A good report gives the council's tree officer evidence they can check.
Can a tree removal company write my report?
For most councils, yes, and do the work too. Some, including Woollahra and Lane Cove, won't take the report and the removal from the same company, and Sutherland Shire applies that to TRAQ reports. There you choose which half we do. Check your council.
What if the tree is dangerous now?
Most councils let an imminently dangerous tree be made safe without a permit, but the burden of proof is on you. Get the arborist's inspection and photos before anything is cut; once the tree is gone, so is the evidence.
What qualification should the arborist have?
Councils usually ask for AQF Level 5 (the Diploma of Arboriculture) for a "consulting arborist". Some accept AQF Level 4 or 3 for a dangerous-tree form. Ours are both AQF Level 5.
Which council, which tree?
Tell us and we'll say whether you need a report, and whether ours will be accepted there.