Independent Arboricultural Consultants · Victoria
Tree assessments that can be relied on when they are reviewed.
Tree reports need to be clear, balanced and able to withstand scrutiny. Arbor Survey works throughout Victoria for Councils, developers and property owners. We provide independent and factual advice based on the site conditions, the trees and the relevant planning requirements. Our findings are based on the site context, not on who has engaged us. If a matter proceeds to VCAT, the evidence needs to stand on its own.
Why Arbor Survey
Four reasons our reports can be relied on
Good arboricultural advice needs more than a standard site inspection. Arbor Survey combines Council experience, private development work, VCAT evidence and specialist diagnostic testing where required. This is particularly important when tree impacts or constraints are not obvious from the surface. The result is advice that is practical, evidence-based and able to withstand review.
Independent
Arbor Survey is instructed by both Councils and private applicants. In each case, our role is to provide clear, independent advice based on the trees, the site and the planning context. Our findings are not written to support a preferred outcome. They are written so they can be understood, tested and relied on.
Council-tested
With almost two decades of experience in Local Government in Statutory and Strategic planning, and open-space tree management, we understand how Council assessment works. We read overlays, local laws, and tree policies in context, so our advice reflects how these controls are applied in practice.
Current methods
Where needed, we use specialist diagnostic methods through trusted partners, including non-destructive root investigation, Resistograph testing and Sonic Tomography. This helps answer questions that cannot be resolved from a surface inspection alone.
VCAT experience
Our principal has given expert evidence at VCAT more than 45 times since 2004, for both Councils and applicants. The decisions are published on the public record, so the experience can be checked.
What we do
Every report is mapped to the project stage
Tree advice is often required at different stages of a development, from early feasibility and design through to construction and final compliance. Select a stage to see the types of work we provide and when they are usually needed. Some services also apply to tree matters outside a development project.
Work that runs outside the development cycle
Not every job is tied to a build. This work stands on its own for site managers, asset owners, legal practitioners and Councils.
Other reports we produce
A range of specialist reports beyond the core lifecycle, prepared to the same standard:
Who we help
Find the right starting point for your project
Government
Arbor Survey provides detailed arboricultural assessments for complex planning matters. This includes work for Planning Panels, Standing Advisory Committees and VCAT. Our reports are prepared with a clear methodology, reference to AS 4970:2025, and consideration of the relevant overlays, local laws and planning controls.
For Councils →Developers & commercial
Arbor Survey provides arboricultural impact assessments, tree protection documentation and construction supervision for development sites. Our reports are written to clearly address Council requirements and provide practical guidance for managing trees before, during, and after construction.
For developers →Private landowners
We provide straightforward advice about the trees on your property, the relevant permit requirements and the report needed to support an application. The advice is clear, practical and written without unnecessary jargon.
For private clients →The record
Ten years, measured
Since 2016, Arbor Survey has worked on more than 4,100 projects across Victoria. Our clients include property owners, developers, Councils, and other organisations. This range of work gives us broad experience across different sites, planning issues and tree management requirements.
Share of work by client type
Share of jobs by client type, 2016 to 2026. Hover a slice for detail. See where we work →
Tell us about your site.
Send the address, the trees, and what you're planning. We will tell you what is involved and how we would approach it.
Discuss your project