Services
Tree Management
for Local Governments
- Expert Assessments and Development Support
Enhancing urban tree management
At Fox Arbor Consulting Pty Ltd, we provide specialised services to assist local governments in effective urban forest management.
With over a decade of experience working directly within local government, our consultants understand the challenges of managing large tree populations amid budget constraints, heightened community expectations, and political pressures. Our risk assessments prioritise budget-conscious recommendations, ensuring cost-effective urban forest management while safeguarding both the community and the organisation.
Key services we offer:
PRELIMINARY Tree
Assessments
- We conduct comprehensive tree audits, from large-scale evaluations to individual tree assessments requiring expert opinions. Our consultants are trained in industry-recognised tree risk assessment methods and equipped with advanced GIS data collection tools, ensuring precise and reliable evaluations.
Development Support
Around Existing Trees
- We provide concise reports to guide development projects, including road reconstructions and park upgrades, ensuring the preservation and health of existing trees. Our services include:
- Preliminary Tree Assessments
- Construction Impact Assessments
- Tree Management and Protection Plans
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Reviewing and providing specialist advice on planning applications affecting trees.
- Advising on local law applications concerning pruning or removal of protected trees.
- Consulting on policy and procedure development related to urban forestry.
Our process:
Initial Consultation – Understanding Your Requirements
We begin by discussing your specific needs, whether it's:
- Conducting a tree risk assessment across public land to enhance safety and risk management
- Providing independent reviews of arborist reports submitted with planning and local law applications to ensure compliance with council policies and industry standards
- Assisting landscape and engineering teams in planning for tree retention, removals, or new plantings in redevelopment or infrastructure projects
Our team will outline the most efficient and cost-effective approach to achieve your objectives while aligning with council policies and community expectations.
Site Assessment & Technical Review
Depending on your project, we will conduct a thorough on-ground assessment or a desktop review:
- Tree Risk Assessments – We conduct structured tree risk inspections to assess condition, likelihood of failure, and risk mitigation options using industry-accepted methodologies (e.g., QTRA, TRAQ).
- Planning/Local Law Application Reviews – We provide independent analysis of arborist reports, verifying the accuracy of tree impact assessments and ensuring compliance with local planning frameworks.
- Redevelopment & Infrastructure Planning – Our team collaborates with Council landscape architects, engineers, and planners to assess tree constraints, provide retention strategies, and ensure compliance with Australian Standards (AS 4970-2009) for tree protection on development sites.
Reporting & Recommendations
We prepare clear, evidence-based reports tailored to your project:
- Tree Risk Reports – Providing prioritised recommendations for risk management, balancing public safety with tree retention.
- Planning Assessment Reports – Offering objective reviews of arborist submissions and expert advice on tree protection, removal, and replanting in line with council policies.
- Redevelopment & Infrastructure Tree Management Plans – Developing Tree Protection Management Plans (TPMPs), advising on engineering solutions for tree retention, and recommending pragmatic tree-friendly design adjustments for infrastructure works.
Each report is concise, actionable, and compliant with industry best practices, making it easy for decision-makers to implement recommendations.
Ongoing Support & Advisory Services
Our engagement doesn’t end with the submission of reports. We offer ongoing support throughout the project lifecycle, including:
- Council representation – Assisting with planning panel hearings or VCAT appeals where tree-related evidence is required.
- On-site monitoring & compliance checks – Ensuring tree protection measures are correctly implemented during construction or redevelopment projects.
- Policy & strategy development – Supporting councils in developing urban forest strategies, street tree policies, and tree management frameworks.
- Training & capacity building – Delivering workshops for council staff and decision-makers to improve understanding of tree risk, planning assessments, and development impacts on trees.
Our team remains available for ongoing advice, amendments, and site inspections to ensure long-term success.
Need expert advice? Book a consultation today!
Our qualified arborists provide professional advice, risk assessments, and sustainable urban forestry strategies tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a council, developer, or business, we’re here to help.