Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Trees and Development Sites
What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment
Arboricultural Impact Assessments assess proposed projects and their impact on existing trees. Impacts are considered in terms of the trees’ long-term health and structure. Australian Standards AS 4970-2009 “Protection of trees on development sites”, is the standard used as the benchmark.
When assessing impacts, consideration needs to be given not only to the finished design but how it will be constructed, the size of the machinery and the space required to achieve the final built form.
When is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment Required
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) are typically associated with development applications; however, an assessment of impacts is recommended for all sites and levels of construction that have trees present.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment Deliverables - What is required for compliance
- Existing tree information collected in the tree survey.
- Numbering system to allow clear identification of trees
- Review of construction elements that impact existing trees
- Identification of trees to be removed and retained
- Protection measures that are required during construction to isolate the trees and limit or mitigate potential damage
- Clearly defined hold points that set out when the Arborist is required during the construction process.
