It’s a question that comes up often — particularly from builders and developers who are engaging a Project Arborist for the first time. The short answer is: a lot more than most people expect.
More than a compliance checkbox
A Project Arborist is sometimes seen as a requirement to satisfy council conditions — someone who shows up, signs off, and moves on. In reality, an effective Project Arborist is an active member of the project team, providing the arboricultural expertise needed to protect retained trees and keep the project on track from pre-construction through to practical completion.
What a Project Arborist does at each stage
Pre-Construction Before works begin, the Project Arborist reviews the plans and arboricultural documentation, confirms Tree Protection Zone fencing locations, and ensures the full project team understands their obligations. Getting this stage right sets the tone for everything that follows.
Demolition Demolition is the highest-risk stage for retained trees. The Project Arborist attends site to supervise and direct works within or adjacent to Tree Protection Zones, ensuring machinery, access routes, and debris management don’t cause irreversible damage to root zones and canopy. A compliance report is issued at the end of this stage.
Construction Throughout the construction phase, the Project Arborist conducts regular site inspections to monitor tree condition, verify protection measures are in place, and provide practical guidance when issues arise. Where works are required within a TPZ, the Project Arborist supervises and directs those works directly.
Practical Completion At the end of the project, the Project Arborist carries out a final assessment of all retained trees and issues a Practical Completion Report — confirming tree outcomes and satisfying any outstanding conditions of consent.
Why early engagement matters
The earlier a Project Arborist is involved, the better the outcome — for the trees, the project, and the budget. Trees damaged during construction are rarely recoverable, and the consequences of inadequate arboricultural management can mean costly delays, council-ordered rectification works, and irreplaceable tree loss.
Engaging a Project Arborist at the design stage means tree protection is built into the project from the start — not retrofitted once problems arise.
What to look for in a Project Arborist
Not all arborists are qualified to act as a Project Arborist. Look for an AQF5 qualified arborist with specific experience in development reporting and construction compliance. In Victoria, all arboricultural works should comply with AS4970-2025 — Protection of Trees on Development Sites and AS4373:2007 — Pruning of Amenity Trees.
At Shelterwood Consulting Arborist, every Project Arborist engagement is led personally by an AQF5 qualified, VALID Accredited arborist with over a decade of experience across urban and peri-urban development projects.
Planning a development and need a Project Arborist? Get in touch early — the sooner we’re involved, the better the outcome. 📞 0417 526 476 | ✉️ shelterwoodarb@gmail.com