Certified Consulting Arborist
Hills District Sydney

Our certified arborists hold AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture qualifications as a minimum standard. Many also possess additional certifications in specific assessment methodologies such as QTRA or TRAQ risk assessment frameworks. Our team members are registered with industry bodies including Arboriculture Australia and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and regularly participate in continuing professional development to stay current with industry best practices and research.

Yes, most development applications in the Hills District require an arborist report if there are trees on or adjacent to the property (including neighbouring properties whose Tree Protection Zones may be affected). Hills Shire, Blacktown, and Hornsby councils typically require Arboricultural Impact Assessments prepared to Australian Standard AS4970 for any development that may impact trees with a height over 5m or trunk diameter over 200mm measured at 1.4m from ground level. Our reports meet all local council requirements and help streamline the approval process.

Arborist report costs in the Hills District typically range from $450 for basic tree assessments to $1,500+ for comprehensive development application reports involving multiple trees. Tree risk assessments generally cost $550-$750, while expert reports for court proceedings may start at $1,800 due to their complexity and potential court appearance requirements. We provide detailed quotes following an understanding of your specific requirements, number of trees, and report complexity.

Standard turnaround times for arborist reports in the Hills District are typically 7-10 business days from site inspection to delivery of the final report. For urgent matters, we offer expedited services with reports delivered within 2-3 business days at an additional fee. Development Application reports for complex sites with numerous trees may require 10-14 days to ensure comprehensive assessment. We always provide an estimated completion timeframe before commencing work.

An arborist report can support tree removal applications when there are legitimate reasons for removal, such as the tree being hazardous, structurally compromised, diseased, or inappropriately located. Our reports provide objective, evidence-based assessments that document tree condition using recognised methodologies and Australian Standards. While reports cannot guarantee council approval, professional documentation significantly improves your chances when removal is justified. We never provide reports recommending removal unless warranted by the actual tree condition.

Yes, our senior consulting arborists are experienced in providing expert witness services for Land & Environment Court proceedings, council hearings, and formal neighbour disputes. We provide impartial, technically accurate testimony and reports that stand up to legal scrutiny. Our arborists have extensive experience with the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act and can assist with all aspects of the dispute resolution process, from initial documentation through to court appearances when required.