If you’ve received a planning permit with arboricultural conditions, chances are you’ve come across the terms Tree Protection Specification and Tree Protection Plan. They’re often mentioned together — and sometimes confused for the same thing. Here’s what each one is, how they differ, and why you need both.
What is a Tree Protection Specification (TPS)?
A Tree Protection Specification is a written document that outlines the measures required to protect retained trees throughout all stages of a development — from demolition and construction through to landscaping and completion.
The TPS details exactly what needs to happen on site to keep retained trees safe. This includes:
- The location and type of Tree Protection Zone fencing required
- Approved and prohibited activities within the TPZ
- Requirements for working within the TPZ — including supervision, hand excavation, and root management
- Soil management and compaction mitigation measures
- Irrigation requirements during construction
- Inspection and reporting requirements at each project stage
Think of the TPS as the rulebook for tree protection on your site — a clear, enforceable set of requirements that every member of the project team is expected to follow.
What is a Tree Protection Plan (TPP)?
A Tree Protection Plan is a scaled drawing — typically overlaid on the site plan — that visually communicates the tree protection requirements for the site.
The TPP shows:
- The location of all retained trees
- Structural Root Zones (SRZ) and Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) for each tree
- The location of Tree Protection Zone fencing
- Any approved working areas or access routes within the TPZ
- Proposed construction footprint in relation to retained trees
Where the TPS tells you what to do, the TPP shows you where to do it. Together they give the project team everything they need to implement tree protection effectively on site.
Why do you need both?
The TPS and TPP work together as a package — one without the other leaves critical gaps. A written specification without a plan leaves the project team guessing about locations and zones. A plan without a specification leaves them unclear on what is and isn’t permitted within those zones.
Most councils across Victoria require both documents to be submitted as part of a development application or as a condition of planning permit. They are typically prepared together by a qualified arborist following the completion of a Preliminary Tree Assessment and Arboricultural Impact Assessment, and must comply with AS4970-2025 — Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
Who prepares them?
Both the TPS and TPP should be prepared by a qualified arborist with experience in development reporting. The documents need to be technically accurate, council-compliant, and practical enough to be implemented by a construction team on the ground.
At Shelterwood Consulting Arborist, every TPS and TPP is prepared by an AQF5 qualified, VALID Accredited arborist — giving you documentation that meets council requirements, supports your DA, and provides the project team with clear, workable guidance from day one.
Need a Tree Protection Specification or Tree Protection Plan for your project? Get in touch with Shelterwood Consulting Arborist today. 📞 0417 526 476 | ✉️ shelterwoodarb@gmail.com