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Guidelines for Aborist Reports
The following information is required in the preparation of reports to accompany applications made in relation to Pittwater Council?s Tree Preservation Order.
A comprehensive report prepared by an appropriately qualified and experienced arborist will enable Council?s assessment process to be expedited.
An aborist report is to accompany all applications for the removal of significant trees.
The following items must be addressed in the report
- Who commissioned the report?
- Why the report was commissioned.
- What the report examines.
- The address of the site containing the trees.
- The methods or techniques used in the inspections.
- An abstract or synopsis of the inspection.
- The date of the inspection.
- A map of the site showing the exact location of the trees and the trees numbered to correspond with the text.
- For each tree give the scientific name, common name, height, canopy spread, trunk diameter at breast height and form.
- A discussion of the data collected ? this may include detailed information regarding wounds, cavities, cracks, splits, forking, root zone, pests and diseases.
- Supporting evidence such as photographs where appropriate.
- Do not list references unless they are referred to in the report.
- Do not include data unless it is used in the report to lend weight to a contentious issue.
- A discussion of all the options available ? why they are recommended or why they are not recommended, eg, can the building or structure be repaired and the tree retained?
- A recommendation as to the preferred option and the reasons therefore.
The report must also contain the name, address and telephone number of the person or company preparing the report.
The above list is not exhaustive and there may be other site considerations necessary to ensure adequate information is supplied to Council.
As professional reports will cost you money, Council recommends that you choose an arborist who has:
- A Certificate in Tree Surgery AND;
- A Certificate in Horticulture or Landscaping or higher;
- Plus at least 5 years? post graduate experience;
- Membership of a professional association, such as the National Arborists? Association of Australia, is also recommended
Does Council have a list of recommended arborists?
Council does not have a list of arborists and cannot recommend particular arborists. Council suggests you check the contractor's qualifications and insurances. There are also two professional bodies to which arborists may commonly belong: The National Arborists Association of Australia and the Tree Contractors Association of Australia.