TREE REMOVAL GUIDANCE
What is a TRS?
A Tree Removal Summary is a report prepared by an AQF5 Consulting Arborist that identifies which trees on a property meet your council's specific criteria for removal without approval, and which ones require a formal application.
Every tree is assessed against your council's Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP), and Tree Management Manual — the exact rules that apply to your address, not general guidance.
Who it's for?
● Vendors preparing a property for sale who want to show buyers the site's development potential
● Buyers assessing a property before purchase
● Homeowners who want to clear trees for a renovation, pool, or garden project
● Builders and developers scoping a site before submitting a DA
1. Visual assessment
A qualified arborist visits the site within 48 hours of booking and inspects every relevant tree.
2. Trees tagged
Any tree that qualifies for removal without council approval is tagged on-site, so it's clear which trees are which.
3. Report delivered
A summary document is prepared and emailed within 48 hours of the site visit, with a clear justification for every tree.
● A site map showing every tree, colour-coded by removal status
● Individual justification for each tree that qualifies for removal without approval (e.g. height under 5m, proximity to the main dwelling)
● A list of trees that require council approval, with the two application pathways explained
● Guidance on next steps — including Arbor Metro's fixed-fee application service if approval is needed
$400 base call-out fee, plus $75 per tree that qualifies for removal without council approval.
● This fee includes on-site tagging and a written justification for each qualifying tree in the report
● If every tree on the property requires council approval, you pay the $400 call-out only
● Most residential assessments fall between $400 and $775 + GST
A precise quote isn't possible before the visual assessment, because the fee depends on how many trees qualify — but you'll never pay more than the base fee if none do
If your trees need council approval
Not every tree will qualify for removal without approval — most residential properties will have some that don't. For those, there are two pathways:
Tree Removal Application — for straightforward removal outside of any building works. Arbor Metro can prepare and submit this application for $400 + GST.
Development Application (DA) support — if removal is needed to facilitate building works, it must be included in a formal DA supported by an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), prepared by a qualified AQF5 Consulting Arborist. Arbor Metro can quote this on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TRS if I'm just buying a house, not selling?
Yes — a TRS is just as useful for buyers wanting to understand what's possible on a site before they commit, particularly if the property has development potential or significant tree cover.
For all the relevant information you need before buying, a Preliminary Tree Assessment Summary (PTAS) is strongly recommended to best understand site feasibility where trees on a property are concerned.
How is a TRS different from a PTAS?
A TRS focuses specifically on which trees can be removed without council approval. A PTAS is a broader due-diligence report covering tree protections, zoning constraints, and site feasibility — useful when you want the full picture ahead of a property transaction. [See PTAS →]
How long does the whole process take?
An arborist is on-site within 48 hours of booking, and the report is delivered within 48 hours of that visit — so you'll typically have your answer inside a week.
Does a TRS replace a formal tree removal application?
No. A TRS is a visual assessment that tells you which trees are eligible for removal without approval under current council rules. It doesn't constitute a formal exemption or development application.
What if my property is outside Sydney?
Arbor Metro services all Australian states. Site visits are scheduled based on location.
Need a TRS for your property?
We provide expert tree reporting services to clients across all Local Government Areas, Sydney-wide and beyond - Message, call or email us today!