What is an Arborist (Tree Assessment)?

An Arborist is a qualified tree specialist who assesses the health, structure, and condition of trees. They provide expert advice on whether trees should be retained, pruned, protected, or removed, often preparing official Tree Assessment Reports required for council approvals.

What does an Arborist do?

Your Arborist will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, an Arborist will:

  • Visit your site and assess the health, safety, and structure of existing trees
  • Identify species, measure dimensions, and evaluate any defects or risks
  • Provide a Tree Assessment Report compliant with local council requirements
  • Recommend protection measures, pruning, or removal where necessary
  • Support your Development Application (DA), Construction Certificate (CC), or CDC submissions with compliant documentation


They help ensure your development is environmentally responsible and compliant with local laws.

Barry's Toolbox

Make sure you know your boundary levels — a good concretor will ensure your driveway meets council requirements at the footpath or crossover. A bad one might leave you with drainage or legal issues.

What to look for in an Arborist

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Qualifications: Minimum AQF Level 5 in Arboriculture is preferred for official reports.
  • Experience: Especially with tree assessments for development sites and council submissions.
  • Report quality: Their reports should be thorough, clear, and tailored to your site.
  • Council familiarity: An Arborist who knows your local council’s tree protection rules can speed up approvals.
  • Insurance: Confirm they carry professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Arborists for your Tree Assessment, you’ll need:

  • Site address and any approved plans or drawings
  • A basic map or list of trees to be assessed (if possible)
  • Any council guidelines or Development Control Plans (DCPs) relevant to your site
  • Your project timeline for DA or CC submissions

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is a Tree Assessment needed?

    Many councils require a Tree Assessment as part of development approvals to ensure important trees are protected or correctly managed.

  • What happens if a tree is assessed as hazardous?

    The Arborist will usually recommend removal or mitigation actions and can support you in applying for council permission if needed.

  • Does the Arborist remove the trees too?

    No. The Tree Assessment covers reporting only. If removal is needed, you’ll separately engage a Tree Removal Specialist or Arborist offering removal services.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.