How much does an arborist report cost in Australia?

Homeowners looking to remove trees from their property can’t simply pull out a chainsaw and start cutting. In some cases, the tree may be subject to a preservation order which requires council approval before removal. 

To obtain council approval, you may need to submit an arborist report. This should be carried out by a qualified arborist, who will inspect the tree to determine the species and the need for removal. 

The council will then use the information contained in the report to determine whether to issue a tree removal permit. The cost of the report must be borne by the property owner, which begs the question, how much does an arborist report cost? 

How much does an arborist report cost?



The average cost of an Arborist report in Australia is around $450. But bear in mind this is an average cost across all states for a single tree assessment. The actual cost will vary depending on the size of the site and the number of trees to be assessed. 

For example, a full arboricultural impact assessment covering several trees complete with root mapping can easily cost upwards of $2000. But for a single tree expect to pay anywhere from $300-$450. 

On top of these costs, homeowners will also have to pay the local council for a tree removal permit. The cost of this varies across different states. The following is a rough guide: 

$75-$100 for 1-5 trees

Plus $20-$30 for any additional trees

Plus a $35 archiving fee: 

When do you need an arborist report?

You must obtain permission from the council before removing a tree from your property. This is a straightforward process in most cases, especially if the tree is dead or under 3m in height. 

For any other type of tree, especially rare trees, heritage trees or trees under a Tree Preservation Order. The council will ask for a full arboricultural impact assessment to be carried out. 

Who can carry out an arborist report?

A qualified arborist must complete the arborist report. Most councils do not recommend individual arborists but it is expected that the report is prepared by an arborist that holds a Level 5 diploma in arboriculture and/or is a member of a recognised professional body. 

Qualified arborists in Toowoomba

Do you need a qualified arborist in the Toowoomba or Roma area? Cut Above Tree Care provides a complete range of tree care services including arboricultural impact assessments. 

We have more than 15 years of experience serving homes in the Toowoomba area. So get in touch today for a FREE quote by calling 0412 303650 or complete the contact form here.