Arborist Report Costs Sydney – Prices & Fees
The right arborist report, at the right price, for the outcome you need.
Before paying for anything, send us your Council correspondence, tree photographs, property address and any development plans. We'll review what you send, help identify possible exemptions and the likely reporting requirements, and give you a quote.
- Free initial requirements review
- AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborists
- 32+ years' experience
- All prices exclude GST
Do You Actually Need an Arborist Report?
Not every tree requires Council approval, and not every tree removal requires an arborist report. Some trees may be exempt under local Council controls. Others need approval, an assessment or a formal report. Rules depend on the council, tree and property.
Before paying for anything, send us your Council correspondence, tree photographs, property address and any relevant development plans or consent conditions. We will review what you send, help identify possible exemptions and likely reporting requirements, and provide a quotation.
This initial information review and quote are free. It is not a site inspection, a formal assessment or confirmation of an exemption. Check applicable rules before tree work proceeds.
How Much Does an Arborist Report Cost in Sydney?
Initial Requirements Review
No cost
We review the details you send and quote at no charge.
Basic Tree Assessment
From $350 + GST
On-site assessment and advice. Does not normally include a written report.
Tree Removal Health & Safety Report
From $900 + GST
A comprehensive report for one tree.
DA Arboricultural Impact Assessment
From $900 + GST
Development Application assessment for one tree.
One-tree arborist reports start from $900 + GST. Assessing several trees? You’ll pay substantially less per additional tree. Ask us for a scoped quote.
All report prices include the relevant tree assessment. All paid prices are starting prices and exclude GST. Council application charges, if any, are separate.
Do I Need an Arborist Report to Remove a Tree in Sydney?
Not always. Some trees are exempt from Council approval, and not every removal requires a report. Arbor Express can review your supplied details for free and explain the likely next step. Any exemption must be checked against the applicable rules before removal.
Which Service Do You Need?
Basic Tree Assessment
From $350 + GST
Professional on-site assessment of a tree’s identification, general condition and next steps. A written report is not normally provided. If Council needs written evidence, we will quote for the appropriate report.
Tree Removal Health & Safety Report
From $900 + GST for one tree
Includes the on-site assessment and a comprehensive written report for tree condition, defects, safety concerns, retention potential and evidence relevant to a Council removal application. Assessment may consider vitality, structural condition, targets, risk and management options; TRAQ or QTRA methodologies may be used where appropriate. A report does not guarantee Council approval.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment / DA Report
From $900 + GST for one tree
Includes the on-site assessment and written report for developments affecting trees. Reviews relevant trees, retention value, Tree Protection Zones, Structural Root Zones, development encroachment, likely impacts and protection measures. Prepared with reference to applicable Council requirements and AS 4970 where relevant.
Specialist Arboricultural Services
Project Arborist Services
Hourly rate
Pre-construction inspections, tree protection setup, excavation and root-zone supervision, construction monitoring and arboricultural compliance records where required by consent conditions.
Tree Management Plans
Price on scope
Management planning for strata, schools, commercial sites and larger tree populations. Scope depends on tree numbers, mapping, risk and management priorities.
Aerial Tree Inspection
Price on scope
Climbing or elevated inspection when important canopy defects or structural concerns cannot be assessed adequately from the ground.
Resistograph Testing
Price on scope
Targeted investigation of suspected internal wood defects where specialist testing is appropriate. Pricing depends on testing locations, tree size and access.
Tree Root Investigation & Mapping
Price on scope
Investigation of roots near footings, driveways, excavations or services to inform design and tree protection decisions.
Several Trees?
Lower per tree
Additional trees cost substantially less per tree when assessed during the same site visit. Ask us for a scoped quote.
Why Do Arborist Report Prices Vary?
Costs depend on the report purpose, number and size of trees, tree condition, access, Council requirements, development plans, urgency and any specialist investigation. A $350 assessment is not the same service as a $900 comprehensive written report.
How Do I Know if My Tree Is Exempt?
Exemptions vary by council and may depend on tree species, dimensions, location, condition and other planning controls. Send your photos and property details for a free preliminary review. Do not treat preliminary advice as formal confirmation of an exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We review the information you send to identify likely requirements and provide a quote at no charge. An on-site tree assessment is a separate paid service.
Normally, no. It is an on-site tree assessment and advice service. Formal report prices include the relevant assessment.
Additional trees cost substantially less per tree when assessed during the same site visit. Ask us for a scoped quote.
Yes. Arbor Express formal arborist reports are prepared by our AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist team.
No. A report provides professional evidence; the relevant authority makes its decision under applicable rules.
No. All advertised paid starting prices exclude GST.
What Our Clients Say
Get the Right Assessment Before You Spend More Than You Need To
Whether you are concerned about a tree at home or planning a development, tell us what you want to achieve. We will help identify the appropriate next step and quote for any work required.