Arborist Reports: When Is the Ideal Time for a Tree Health Assessment?

As some of the most beautiful aspects of nature and the basis of the ecosystem, trees are an important part of our urban landscape and countryside as well as the fight against climate change. Therefore, it’s vital to preserve and protect them.

Well-structured trees add to the character of an area and its financial value, so whether you are a homeowner, a property manager or a council representative considering making changes to a piece of property, you must be aware of your local council requirements including an arborist report. What is it and is it necessary?

Simply put, it is an in-depth, detailed report on a piece of land, referring to plant life, most commonly trees. It is a representation of the current situation of a tree and is required as part of the application process for tree work to make sure you will not risk the integrity of the area’s natural environment.

Why Do You Need an Arborist Assessment and Report?

Whether you are concerned about the health and condition of your trees or obtaining a tree removal or construction permit, always opt for arborist reports completed by professionals. They can help you ensure a smooth and successful application process and communicate effectively with your local council and other relevant parties.

The reasons for arboricultural reports may vary between local councils, cities and states, but all of them aim for the same objective – making sure that the plants involved are protected and their removal doesn’t cause any potential damage or harm in the future. Without proper analysis, you might accidentally destroy trees and plants that sustain life and it can result in fines and restrictions.

Depending on the purpose of the report, it may be focused on a specific tree, several trees or all the trees on the property and allow you to plan according to your budget and schedule urgent works immediately or not. This can ultimately influence the way you manage your property and ensure its safety and sustainability.

For instance, when buying a new house, people often don’t think of the trees and their safety or cost. Hiring an arboricultural consultant before making a purchase or soon after can help new homeowners avoid dangerous situations and unexpected costs. Not only can this help with insurance claims but also provide peace of mind and maintain the value of the property.

Every tree and situation is unique, so a comprehensive and reliable report can help you make informed decisions about your trees through valuable insights and recommendations including pest and disease treatment, pruning requirements and more. Even if you have a basic understanding of trees, hiring an arborist can provide you with professional advice and make sure that your assessment is accurate and thorough.

Additionally, arborist reports are important as they are legal documents recognised by legal courts, though the requirements can change depending on each region’s local government bodies. They are becoming a lot more common as cities and councils increase their awareness of tree safety and retention.

The timeframe for completing the report can vary depending on the number of trees and the unique circumstances of the project. Once the onsite assessment is completed, it usually takes a few business days until the report is delivered, however, for more complex projects it may take longer.

Who Can Complete an Arborist Assessment?

There are different levels of arborists and while a Level 3 in arboriculture enables you to become a practising arborist, it’s not enough for most official applications and processes as they require assessment reports done by Level 5 arborists. Highly skilled, they have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the most convenient tree management solutions needed to meet council requirements.

They have undergone specific training and have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct a thorough assessment of tree health and condition including visual tree health and safety assessments, from on-ground assessments to aerial inspections and more, as well as risk assessments, development tree-related reports, soil analysis, tree identification and more. Before hiring an arborist, look for accreditations and references and check their reputation on the market as the effectiveness and the efficiency of the final result may greatly depend on it.

Final Thoughts

Trees bring many benefits to our lives, from giving us oxygen to storing carbon, stabilising the soil and much more, therefore, it’s important to strongly promote their retention. As living organisms, trees can be susceptible to diseases, pests and structural issues. That’s why it’s important to find the ideal way to keep trees healthy, and regular maintenance and timely inspection by a certified arborist can help you make the right decision and ensure their longevity.

A well-prepared arborist report goes beyond basic evaluations and provides you with a wealth of information about the health and condition of our trees, so you can understand the specific issues affecting them and the necessary treatments or maintenance needed and put them into place swiftly and effectively.

Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to submit it at the same time as your planning application to avoid further delays and unexpected costs in the process. Damage to the trees and their roots can happen easily and unfortunately, it’s very often irreparable, but also potentially dangerous and costly.