Arborist Report for Council & Tree Removal
If you need council approval to remove or heavily prune a tree on your property, you will almost certainly need a formal arborist report to support your application. Councils across Perth and the Peel region require documented evidence from a certified arborist before they will consider approving tree removal, particularly where the tree is large, protected or located in a sensitive area.
At Asset Tree Care, we prepare professional arborist reports for council submissions across Mandurah, the Peel region and surrounding local government areas. We make the process straightforward, providing clear, council-ready documentation that gives your application the best possible chance of approval.
When Do You Need an Arborist Report for Council?
Not every tree removal requires a formal report, but many do. You will typically need a council tree removal report when:
- The tree meets your local council’s definition of a regulated or significant tree
- Your property is in a designated Tree Preservation Area
- You are applying for development approval and trees are affected by the proposed works
- The tree is located on a strata or shared property requiring formal approval
- A council or insurer has requested documented evidence of tree condition or risk
- You are seeking retrospective approval for tree works already completed
If you are unsure whether your tree or proposed works require a report, we can assess the situation and advise you on the correct process before you commit to an application.
How Requirements Vary Across Councils
Tree removal requirements are not consistent across Western Australia. Each local government operates under its own planning scheme and policies, meaning the circumstances that trigger an arborist report, and what that report must include, can vary between councils.
Having prepared council arborist reports across Mandurah, Perth and surrounding LGAs, Hamish Clapham understands these varying requirements and prepares reports that provide the arboricultural evidence councils need to assess an application.
Many Perth metropolitan councils, including Fremantle, South Perth, Bayswater and Victoria Park, have adopted tree retention policies based on the WALGA Model Local Planning Policy, which generally requires development approval for trees meeting regulated size thresholds of 8 metres in height, 6 metres canopy diameter or 1.5 metres trunk circumference.
Whether your council requires a brief arborist letter or a detailed assessment, we can advise on the appropriate reporting requirements before you begin your application.
Safe, efficient removal of unwanted or hazardous trees using modern climbing and rigging methods.
Formal assessments for trees meeting regulated size thresholds under local council planning policy.
“Hamish and his team did a fabulous job removing some trees in our yard, including a very large and challenging tree. They were friendly, helpful, and thorough. Communication was always very prompt. We were very pleased with what a great job they did and how tidy they left the yard after they had completed the job. We would highly recommend them to anyone needing tree pruning or removal.”
Sydney Roberts
Tree Removal
Frequently Asked Questions
An arborist report for council is a formal written assessment prepared by a certified arborist that documents the condition, health and structure of a tree. It is used to support a development application or permit request where council approval is required before tree removal or major pruning can take place.
It depends on your local council’s planning policy and whether your tree meets the criteria for a regulated or protected tree. In many Perth and Peel region councils, trees above certain size thresholds require development approval before they can be removed, even on private land. Mandurah also has designated Tree Preservation Areas where stricter rules apply. Hamish can advise on whether a report is needed for your specific situation.
An arborist letter is a shorter document that provides a basic professional opinion on a tree’s condition or the justification for proposed works. A full arborist report is a more detailed assessment that includes measurements, condition ratings, photographic evidence and arboricultural analysis. Some councils accept a letter for minor applications while others require a complete report. We can advise which format is appropriate for your council and situation.
Assessment timeframes vary between councils and depend on the complexity of the application. As a general guide, many residential tree removal applications are assessed within 10 to 20 business days once a complete application including the arborist report has been lodged. Hamish can help you prepare a complete, well-documented submission to minimise delays.
Yes. Asset Tree Care can prepare your arborist report and carry out the tree removal once council approval has been granted. Working with the same arborist and team from report through to removal means a smoother process and confidence that the job is done right.
We prepare arborist reports for council across Mandurah, Rockingham, Kwinana, Murray, Waroona and surrounding areas in the Peel region and greater Perth. Contact us to confirm availability for your area.
Ready To Get Started?
Need a council-ready arborist report to support your tree removal application? Contact Asset Tree Care today for clear, professionally prepared reports across Mandurah, Perth and surrounding LGAs.
Call Hamish on 0490 762 201
Or Request Your Free Consultation
Asset Tree Care | Mandurah’s trusted arboricultural specialists.
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