What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?
An arboricultural impact assessment is a comprehensive report that evaluates how proposed development could impact trees on a site. It is a necessary tree report for development applications.
The report identifies all the trees located on site, potential risks to them and outlines a plan to protect them and mitigate any damage. An AIA report follows the initial landscape or construction planning stage and determines which trees can be retained or removed.
What’s included — AIA + Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)
Our AIA reports are prepared by an AQF Level 5 arborist and assess the relationship between development and existing trees. The assessment includes identification of each tree, its condition and life expectancy as well as its significance and retention value. We map out the location of all trees and number them, reading for integration with proposed building plans to outline how they impact development.
The Tree Constraints Plan is a supporting document that illustrates the positions and dimensions of trees on a development site. This plan allows architects and designers to utilise space effectively while taking into account any constraints caused by trees, canopy spread and root protection areas.
Trees are categorised A to C based on condition, value and rarity. Category “A” trees add significant value to a property and should be retained, while category “C” trees show signs of a defect or structural issues. There’s a separate classification of “U” for trees that are dead and need to be removed.
When is an AIA required?
An AIA report is required whenever proposed construction may affect trees on the site. It’s required during DAs, extensions, landscaping and construction works. The arborist report must align with AS4970 to ensure compliance. Without an AIA report, councils are likely to delay or refuse a DA when trees are present.
Who typically needs this report?
An arboricultural impact report is typically required whenever a DA could affect trees on a property. Engaging an AIA arborist in NSW ensures the site is assessed correctly and that planning decision account for tree constraints.
Architects
These professionals rely on AIA reports and a tree impact assessment for architects during the design phase to understand how existing trees will impact site layout and design. These reports inform building placement, access, tree retention and any constraints that may affect the design.
Developers
Developers require arboricultural reports for DAs to ensure their projects comply with council regulations. The reports help support a smoother approval process.
Homeowners
Homeowners may need an AIA report when planning extensions, new builds and landscaping work. It ensures that any trees on the property are properly assessed and the work meets council requirements.
Our process and turnaround
Our AQF Level 5 arborists deliver accurate, compliant AIA reports to support smooth DA approvals and minimise project delays.
Our process is as follows:
- We begin with a site inspection and assess all relevant trees and their impact on the proposed development
- We identify Tree Protection Zones and any risks that may affect approval
- We prepare a compliant tree report for council submission
We offer a fast turnaround of 3-5 business days for our arboricultural impact assessment reports, depending on the project size. We prioritise efficiency and accurate reporting to keep your project moving forward.
