Project Arborist Services – Construction Supervision – AS 4970 Compliance
Our local Level 5 Arborists act as the Project Arborist for developments across the Mornington Peninsula Council area.
A Project Arborist provides
- Planning Permit arborist reports (DA equivalent)
- Tree protection and supervision during construction
- Final certification for Council compliance
A Project Arborist is typically engaged after Planning Permit approval to oversee tree protection, construction compliance and final certification.
This ensures continuity from application through to construction completion.
Backed by over 32 years of consulting experience, we deliver Council-ready arborist documentation relied on by planners, architects, builders and certifiers.
What Is a Project Arborist?
A Project Arborist is a Level 5 Consulting Arborist responsible for preparing:
- Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
- Planning Permit arborist reports
- Tree protection and compliance documentation under AS 4970
These reports assess how development impacts trees and provide the technical justification Council relies on for approval.
What Does a Project Arborist Do?
- Pre-lodgement design advice
- Planning Permit arborist reporting
- Tree retention and removal assessment
- Permit condition interpretation
- Council RFI response
- TPZ and SRZ calculations and compliance
- Construction-stage supervision
- Post-construction certification
When Should a Project Arborist Be Engaged?
- Before finalising architectural or engineering design
- During Planning Permit preparation
- Prior to construction commencing
- When Council requires arborist supervision
- Where trees are retained near development
Planning Permit Stage – Tree Assessment & Compliance
- Tree retention feasibility
- TPZ and SRZ calculations
- Tree removal justification
- Impact assessment on surrounding vegetation
Where trees are removed or impacted, Council requires clear arborist documentation to support approval.
Construction Stage – AS 4970 Compliance & Supervision
- Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)
- Structural Root Zones (SRZ)
- Encroachment calculations
- Protection fencing
- Excavation methods
- Construction sequencing
Tree Management Plans define protection requirements during construction.
Tree Root Investigation & Mapping (Development Sites)
- AirSpade root investigation (non-destructive)
- Root mapping for design integration
- TPZ and SRZ verification
- Structural root identification
- Design advice for footings and services
This allows projects to proceed while reducing tree removal, avoiding redesign costs and meeting Council requirements.
Advanced Testing & Structural Assessment
- Resistograph decay testing
- Structural condition analysis
When Is a Project Arborist Required?
- Trees retained near building footprints
- Basement excavation near root systems
- Council-imposed arborist supervision conditions
- TPZ or SRZ encroachments
- Multi-dwelling or medium-density development
- Coastal or constrained sites
Frequently Asked Questions
A Project Arborist supervises works within Tree Protection Zones, monitors excavation and ensures all construction activities comply with AS 4970 and Council requirements.
Ideally before final design is completed. Early involvement helps identify tree constraints, guide design decisions and avoid costly redesigns or delays.
In many cases, yes. Where trees are impacted by development, a Level 5 arborist is required to prepare reports and documentation supporting Council approval.
Non-compliance can result in project delays, Council enforcement action or penalties. Proper supervision and certification ensure compliance throughout construction.
Local Development Context – Mornington Peninsula
Across Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Dromana and Somerville, development sites commonly involve retained canopy trees within tight building envelopes.
Our Level 5 Project Arborists prepare Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) and Planning Permit reports to support approval and avoid redesign delays.
Across Rosebud, Rye, Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Hastings, subdivision and redevelopment frequently trigger TPZ encroachments.
We provide AS 4970-compliant supervision, reporting and on-site guidance to ensure projects proceed without delays or compliance issues.
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Call now or email us for fast, expert help with your tree permit or report. Rest easy, we handle everything from start to finish.
