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Arboricultural Impact Assessment Melbourne
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AQF Level 5 Arboricultural Impact Assessments for Development & Council
When proposed construction interacts with existing trees, council may require professional evidence showing how those trees will be affected.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment, commonly called an AIA, evaluates the relationship between proposed development works and trees located on or near the site.
Banyan Tree Care prepares Arboricultural Impact Assessments in Melbourne for residential developments, renovations, subdivisions and construction projects requiring professional arboricultural assessment.
Our AQF Level 5 arborists assess tree condition, retention value and proposed development impacts before providing clear recommendations for tree retention and protection.
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What Is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
An AIA is prepared once development plans contain enough information for an arborist to understand how construction will interact with existing trees.
The assessment may consider buildings, basements, driveways, retaining structures, services, excavation, demolition, access and other proposed works.
The arborist then evaluates those works in relation to the trees and identifies where potential impacts exist.
Current Melbourne consulting practices use AIAs for trees within and adjoining development sites and to inform planning permit applications.
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Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones
Trees require appropriate consideration above and below ground.
Development assessment therefore considers relevant root-zone and canopy interactions rather than looking only at the distance between a trunk and proposed building.
Where appropriate, Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones are identified and assessed in relation to proposed works.
The current Australian Standard is AS 4970:2025 Protection of trees on development sites. Standards Australia lists the 2025 edition as current and the previous 2009 edition as superseded.
What Can an AIA Assess?
The assessment can consider trees proposed for retention or removal, neighbouring trees, street trees, excavation, construction access, service trenches, retaining walls and other activities capable of affecting trees.
Potential encroachment is evaluated in the context of the individual tree and proposed work.
Where further information is needed, the arborist may recommend additional investigation before reaching a final conclusion.
An AIA Should Help the Project Move Forward
A useful AIA does more than identify conflicts.
The report should explain what impacts exist and what measures can reasonably reduce those impacts where trees are proposed for retention.
Recommendations may influence construction methodology, excavation techniques, access arrangements and tree-protection requirements.
Where development impacts cannot reasonably be accommodated, the report should clearly explain the arboricultural implications.
Council and Planning Applications
Melbourne councils may request arboricultural assessments where proposed development affects significant trees, vegetation subject to planning controls, neighbouring trees or council assets.
Requirements vary considerably between municipalities and properties.
Victoria's planning framework also includes Clause 52.37 relating to qualifying canopy trees in applicable residential circumstances.
Banyan Tree Care reviews the site, plans and relevant council correspondence so the AIA can address the actual project rather than relying on generic reporting.
What Happens After the AIA?
Planning approval is often only one stage of tree management during a development.
Where trees are retained, permit conditions may require a Tree Protection Management Plan before demolition or construction begins.
A Project Arborist may then be required during construction to monitor protection measures or supervise sensitive works.
Banyan Tree Care can remain involved through those later project stages.
Areas We Service
- The Mornington Peninsula
- City of Bayside
- City of Monash
- City of Manningham
- City of Boroondara Suburbs
- City of Greater Dandenong
- City of Knox
- City of Kingston
- Banyule City Council
- City of Stonnington
- City of Glen Eira
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
An AIA is commonly required when proposed development may affect trees on the site, neighbouring properties or council land. It is usually prepared once plans are detailed enough to assess buildings, excavation and other works. For early-stage projects, a Preliminary Arboricultural Assessment may be more suitable first.
Yes, where neighbouring trees may be affected by the proposed development. Their roots, canopy or protection zones can extend into the site. Street trees may also need consideration. The arborist determines which surrounding trees are relevant based on their location and relationship to the proposed works.
No. AS 4970:2025 Protection of trees on development sites is the current edition, replacing AS 4970-2009. Where relevant, current assessments should consider the latest standard together with applicable council requirements and project-specific conditions.
No. Council or the relevant authority makes the final planning decision. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment provides professional evidence about trees and development impacts to support that process. It can address arboricultural concerns and recommend suitable measures, but approval cannot be guaranteed.