How Much Does An Arborist Report Cost? [2025]

Arboriculture often requires the expertise of an arborist, and obtaining an arborist report is a crucial step in tree management. Understanding the cost associated with these reports is essential for property owners.

How Much Does An Arborist Report Cost? [2025]
29 Jan, 2024 / Arborists / Written by ServiceTasker Team / 787 Views / Last Updated 20 Dec, 2024

Cost of Arborists Report in Australia, What You Have To Pay in 2025


The fees of an arborist report will be different depending on the proportions of work required. An evaluation and report on the condition of your 1-2 trees by an arborist would cost you approximately $450. There are also various types of arborist reports for instance arboricultural influence assessment, standard reports, individual reports for root structures etc. Other services like tree trimming and removal can cost you from $400-$2000 depending on a small tree or a large tree.



You can benefit from an arborist whether you have an unsafe tree in your area, a stump that should be removed, or a canopy that needs a good trimming. For these, you may need an arborist report. So it is a good idea to go in deep about the rate for tree report services. In this, we delve into the factors influencing arborist report costs and insights for informed decisions.



Do You Need Council Permission To Remove Your Problem Tree?


In most cases, you can not remove any tree without the council's permission, and every council has its own rules, so check with them first. You will require an arborist report for permission. Here are some factors that will help you know that your problem tree needs council validation.



  • Assessment of the tree's size and height.

  • Knowledge of the tree species in question.

  • Determination of the tree's vitality (dead trees may not require council permission).

  • Precise identification of the tree's location (trees within 3 meters of your residence may require council confirmation for removal).

  • Evaluation of whether the tree falls under the 20/50 rule for fire risk, necessitates council validation.



What Is An Arborist's Report?


Arborist reports are documents that are aligned with council guidelines and the Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists (IACA) recommendations. Arborist reports are significant to the integrity of the projects.



Without the recommendations and actions from an arborist report, people within the project team may unintentionally remove or destroy trees or habitats. These actions may not delay your development but can impose costly fines or restrictions that can badly affect your site’s ecosystem.



An arborist will document the name, address and contact details of an applicant. A trained arborist will perfectly address the following :



  • Tree site details

  • The height, diameter and other information about the tree

  • Details about the diseases, pests and other deformities present in the tree

  • Discussion in favour of or against alternatives to full tree removal



What Trees Can I Remove?


In Australia, trees are protected on a state and local council level. These laws and secured trees are defined in your local council’s Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Trees in Australia are also protected by the Tree Protection Act 2005. It is better to check before removing any tree from your residential or business property. You will require permission, even for a heritage tree you may need development permission.



For example, the city of Sydney council has a relief, where no permit is required for a tree that is dying, dead or is an approaching risk to human life or considerable property. You must be capable of proving this or face legal action. There are also some trees for which no permit is necessary, including species of bamboo, citrus trees and rubber trees to name a few. Other trees can be trimmed or removed if they are under a specific height such as 10 meters tall.



How Much Does An Arborist Report Cost?


An arborist is a tree expert. You may require an arborist report for serious and complex issues. Arborist reports start at around $450 for 1-2 trees and can be expensive up to $2000, depending on number of trees and types of reports. The types of arborist reports are an arboricultural impact assessment, standard report and specified reports for root structures. These reports cost $85-$100 for one to two trees, $30-$35 for each additional tree and $40 as a document preparation fee. The price of an arborist report depends on the number of overhead costs for the job, for example, the number of crew members needed and the types of machinery required.



In the case of tree removal, the average price of tree removal ranges from $300 to $1000. The price is further regulated by the degree of difficulty and danger related to the tree job. This can be affected by the condition, tree species, and site location and access.



Cost Of An Arborist Report In Different Australian Cities


Looking for the report cost charged by arborists in different cities in Australia, check this table.




































Cities Of Australia Average Report Cost(1-2 trees)
Brisbane $600 – $800
Adelaide $400 – $600
Perth $400 – $500
Melbourne $450 – $700
Canberra $600 – $800
Sydney $400 – $550
Hobart $350 – $500


How Long Does An Arborist Report Take?


The completion time for an arborist report varies, often taking several days. The duration is influenced by factors such as the number of trees on the property and their specific requirements. A more thorough analysis of each tree's health and structure contributes to the report's accuracy. Arborists dedicate time to assess the health, form, and potential issues of each tree.



The final assessment typically includes detailed drawings indicating the location, canopy spread, crown configuration, and any identified defects or fire hazards. A professional arborist may also enhance the report with photos to provide a clearer understanding of pruning needs or other pertinent information. In cases where tree removal requires council approval, an arborist report becomes indispensable.



Estimate Quotes From Arborists


It is good to always look for arborists from a company that serves your local area. Be sure to ask about any damage results from the tree removal and pruning services. How many team arborists will be needed? Will they prepare and present an arborist report to the council on your behalf? To get quotes and answers to these questions based on your needs, you can post your job details on ServiceTasker™. You can get up to three FREE quotes.

Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.

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