When Is an Arborist Report Required by Wollongong Council?

If you own property in Wollongong, you probably know the city's trees are part of its character, from the coastal fig and Norfolk Island pine plantings to the native forest that climbs the Illawarra Escarpment. Wollongong City Council protects much of this canopy through its planning controls. Before you remove, prune or build near a tree, you may need a formal arborist report to support your application.

This guide explains when Council commonly asks for an arborist report, what the report must contain, and how to avoid delays. Rules are updated from time to time, so always confirm the current requirements with Council before you act.

What Is an Arborist Report?

An arborist report (also called an arboricultural impact assessment, tree assessment or tree risk assessment) is a written document prepared by a qualified arborist. It records the condition of one or more trees and gives professional recommendations. These might include removal, pruning, retention, or protection measures during construction.

Council generally expects the author to hold at least an AQF Level 5 Diploma in Arboriculture (or equivalent) and to have relevant industry experience. A report from a general gardener or an unqualified tree lopper is unlikely to be accepted.

How Tree Protection Works in Wollongong

Tree regulation in Wollongong sits across several layers:

• State planning policy: The NSW Biodiversity and Conservation SEPP (Chapter 2, vegetation in non-rural areas) allows councils to regulate the clearing of vegetation in urban and environmental zones through a development control plan.
• Wollongong Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2009: This sets zoning, heritage listings, and environmental protection layers that can affect trees.
• Wollongong Development Control Plan (DCP) 2009: The chapter on tree and vegetation management sets out which trees need approval to be removed or pruned, and what information must accompany an application.
• Other legislation: Threatened species and ecological community protections, bushfire rules and heritage controls may also apply.

In practice, many trees on private land in Wollongong cannot be removed or heavily pruned without Council permission. An arborist report is often the key supporting document.

Common Situations Where Council Requires an Arborist Report

1. Applying to Remove a Healthy or Significant Tree

If a tree is protected under the DCP and you want to remove it, Council will want evidence that removal is justified. A report is usually expected where the tree is large, mature, a prominent local species, or apparently healthy. The arborist assesses its health, structure, life expectancy and the reasons you give for removing it.

2. Claims That a Tree Is Dangerous or Diseased

If you say a https://treeremovalwollongong.com.au tree is unsafe, dying, structurally unsound or infected, Council usually asks for independent evidence. The arborist will often use a recognised risk method such as the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) approach. The report states the level of risk and what can be done to reduce it. Removal is not always the answer; pruning, cabling or monitoring may be recommended instead.

3. Trees Damaging Structures or Infrastructure

Roots lifting driveways, cracking walls or blocking drains are common reasons for removal requests. Council commonly expects an arborist report, and sometimes supporting evidence from a structural engineer or plumber, to show the tree is the likely cause and that other solutions (root barriers, repairs, redesign) are not practical.

4. Development Applications Near Trees

When you lodge a development application (DA) for a new dwelling, extension, granny flat, pool, driveway, subdivision or similar work, Council assesses its effect on nearby trees. This includes trees on neighbouring properties and street trees. An arborist report is typically required where:

• Work is proposed within or near a tree's Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) or Structural Root Zone
• Trees are proposed for removal as part of the development
• The site contains significant, mature or protected vegetation
• Excavation, trenching, retaining walls or changes to ground levels could affect root systems

These reports commonly reference Australian Standard AS 4970-2009 Protection of Trees on Development Sites, which sets out how TPZs are calculated and how much encroachment is acceptable.

5. Trees on Heritage-Listed Properties or in Conservation Areas

Trees on heritage items, or within heritage conservation areas, may be part of the heritage significance of the site. Council may ask for an arborist report, sometimes alongside a heritage impact statement, before agreeing to removal or major pruning.

6. Environmentally Sensitive Land

Properties near the escarpment, creeks, wetlands, coastal areas or bushland can contain threatened ecological communities or habitat trees. In these cases, Council may require an arborist report and, depending on the situation, an ecological or flora and fauna assessment. Hollow-bearing trees and remnant native vegetation get particular attention.

7. Major Pruning

Some minor pruning is permitted without approval, but heavy pruning of a protected tree usually is not. If you propose to remove a large proportion of the canopy or cut major limbs, Council may require a report showing the work meets AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees and will not harm the tree's health.

8. Council-Owned or Street Trees

You cannot remove or prune a street tree or a tree on public land yourself. Contact Council to lodge a request. If you want a street tree removed to build a driveway, for example, Council may require an arborist assessment, and the cost may fall to you.

When You May Not Need an Arborist Report

Not every tree job needs a report or even a permit. Exemptions may apply in situations such as:

• Trees that are not covered by the DCP (for example, certain species, small trees or those below the size thresholds)
• Declared noxious or environmental weeds
• Trees posing an imminent risk to life or property, though you should document the hazard with photos and keep records
• Routine, minor maintenance pruning that complies with Council's guidelines
• Clearing allowed under the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code, which applies only in certain bushfire-prone areas

Do not assume an exemption applies. Penalties for illegally removing or damaging a protected tree can be substantial, and Council can require replacement planting. Check Council's current tree management guidance or contact the relevant team first.

What a Wollongong Arborist Report Should Include

Reports that lack detail are a common reason for delays or requests for further information. A thorough report typically contains:

1. The arborist's name, qualifications, experience and the date of inspection
2. The site address, the scope of the assessment and what you asked the arborist to consider
3. Identification of each tree by species, height, canopy spread, trunk diameter (DBH) and location
4. An assessment of health, structure, age class, and estimated useful life expectancy
5. A retention value or significance rating
6. Discussion of risk, defects, and any damage to structures or services
7. TPZ and Structural Root Zone calculations where development is proposed
8. A clear recommendation: retain, prune, protect or remove
9. Tree protection measures, supervision requirements and replacement planting suggestions
10. Site photos and a marked-up plan showing tree locations

Tips for a Smooth Application

Engage an arborist early. If you are planning building work, speak to an arborist during the design stage. Adjusting a driveway position or footing type can save a tree and avoid costly redesigns later.

Be specific about your goals. Tell the arborist exactly what you need, whether that is removal, pruning, or a DA tree assessment, so the report addresses what Council will ask.

Check neighbouring trees. Trees on adjoining land with canopies or roots reaching your site can be protected too and may need to be included in a report.

Keep the report current. Trees change and Council may question older reports. If your assessment is more than a year or two old, you may need an update.

Consider replacement planting. Council often requires replacement trees when removal is approved. Choosing appropriate local species improves your application and supports the local canopy.

Cost and Timeframes

Fees vary with the number of trees, site complexity and the type of report. A simple single-tree assessment costs far less than a detailed multi-tree development report with a TPZ analysis. Council application fees and processing times are separate and can change, so check the current fee schedule. Allow extra time if your property is environmentally sensitive or heritage-listed.

Final Thoughts

In Wollongong, an arborist report is most often required when you want to remove or heavily prune a protected tree, claim it poses a risk or is causing damage, or carry out development near trees. It is also expected on heritage, bushland and escarpment-adjacent properties. Council's tree controls aim to keep the city's canopy healthy while still allowing safe and sensible property management.

Before you pick up a chainsaw or lodge a DA, check Council's current tree requirements, confirm whether your tree is protected, and engage a qualified local arborist. A well-prepared report can speed up approval, reduce the risk of fines and help you make the best decision for your tree and your property.

Wollongong Tree Removal Pros

106 Gipps St, Wollongong NSW 2500

(02) 4210 5945