Why Your Tree Assessment Report Was Rejected By Council In Melbourne
Receiving a request for further information or a refusal after submitting a tree assessment report can be frustrating and costly. Many property owners and developers across Melbourne assume that once an arborist report is lodged, approval will follow. In reality, councils carefully review documentation to ensure it meets planning policy, overlay controls and Australian Standards.
At Arborplan Arboriculture Consultants, we regularly assist clients whose tree assessment report has been rejected or deemed insufficient. Understanding why councils reject arborist reports in Melbourne can help you correct the issue and move forward with confidence.
This guide outlines the most common reasons reports are refused and what can be done to resolve them.
The Report Did Not Address Planning Overlays
One of the most common reasons a tree report is rejected is failure to address relevant planning overlays.
In Melbourne, properties may be subject to:
• Vegetation Protection Overlay
• Significant Landscape Overlay
• Environmental Significance Overlay
• Heritage Overlay
If a tree assessment report does not specifically reference and respond to the objectives of the overlay, council may determine that it lacks sufficient justification.
A compliant arborist report in Melbourne should clearly explain how the proposed development aligns with the planning controls affecting the site.
Incomplete Tree Protection Zone Assessment
Tree Protection Zones are calculated under Australian Standard AS 4970 and represent the area required to protect critical root structure.
Reports are often rejected when:
• Tree Protection Zones are miscalculated
• Encroachment is not clearly quantified
• Construction impact within the zone is not assessed
• No mitigation strategy is provided
Councils rely heavily on Tree Protection Zone analysis. If the report does not demonstrate clear understanding of potential root impact, approval may be delayed.
At Arborplan Arboriculture Consultants, we ensure Tree Protection Zones are accurately calculated and clearly presented in every tree assessment report.
Lack Of Root Investigation Where Required
If development encroaches within a Tree Protection Zone, councils may expect a root investigation.
Reports are frequently rejected where:
• Excavation impact is assumed rather than assessed
• Structural roots are not investigated
• Mitigation is not supported by evidence
• Impact is downplayed without justification
Where required, a root investigation provides site specific data rather than theoretical assumptions. This strengthens the credibility of the arborologist report and improves council confidence.
Insufficient Justification For Tree Removal
Applications for tree removal often fail because the tree report does not provide adequate justification.
Common shortcomings include:
• Vague references to poor health
• Lack of structural defect evidence
• No supporting photographs
• Failure to address retention value
• Ignoring overlay objectives
Councils require clear, evidence based reasoning to approve removal of protected trees.
A professionally prepared arborist report in Melbourne should demonstrate technical assessment, not general opinion.
Failure To Assess Development Impact Properly
Tree assessment reports are not limited to describing tree condition. They must evaluate how proposed works affect tree stability and long term viability.
Reports may be rejected when they fail to address:
• Footing design impact
• Excavation depth
• Driveway placement
• Service trenching
• Changes to soil levels
If impact analysis is superficial, councils may issue a request for further information.
A comprehensive arborologist report should explain potential consequences and recommend practical mitigation measures.
Inadequate Qualifications Or Professional Detail
Councils assess not only the content of a report but also the professional credibility behind it.
Rejection may occur if:
• The consultant’s qualifications are unclear
• The methodology is not explained
• The report lacks technical detail
• It does not reference relevant standards
An arborist report in Melbourne must demonstrate professional competence and adherence to recognised guidelines.
At Arborplan Arboriculture Consultants, our reports reflect detailed site inspection, structured analysis and alignment with Australian Standards.
Failure To Respond To Previous Council Feedback
If council previously issued a request for further information and the revised tree assessment report does not adequately respond, rejection is likely.
Common mistakes include:
• Re submitting unchanged documentation
• Providing partial responses
• Avoiding direct engagement with council concerns
• Failing to clarify specific planning triggers
Addressing council feedback directly and comprehensively is essential for progressing your application.
Confusion Between Arborologist Report And Tree Assessment Report
In some cases, councils specify that an arborologist report is required, but applicants submit a basic tree condition report instead.
Where development impact is complex or overlays apply, a broader scope may be necessary.
Understanding the difference and preparing the correct documentation from the outset avoids delays.
If you are unsure which report type is required, we review council correspondence carefully before preparing documentation.
What To Do If Your Report Has Been Rejected
If your tree assessment report has been rejected in Melbourne, the first step is to carefully review the council’s feedback.
We recommend:
• Identifying specific deficiencies mentioned
• Reviewing planning overlay objectives
• Confirming Tree Protection Zone calculations
• Assessing whether root investigation is required
• Seeking professional review
At Arborplan Arboriculture Consultants, we regularly provide second opinion assessments where previous documentation was insufficient.
Contact us to speak with us about reviewing your rejected report.
How A Revised Arborist Report Can Strengthen Your Application
A revised arborist report in Melbourne should:
• Directly address council concerns
• Provide detailed impact analysis
• Incorporate root investigation where required
• Clarify mitigation measures
• Align with planning overlay objectives
By presenting a structured and technically supported arborologist report, applicants can often resolve objections and move toward approval.
The Importance Of Early Professional Engagement
Many rejections occur because arboricultural advice was sought late in the design process.
Engaging Arborplan Arboriculture Consultants early allows:
• Design adjustments before submission
• Accurate Tree Protection Zone integration
• Clear mitigation strategies
• Stronger planning documentation
This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of refusal and protects your project timeline.
Supporting Successful Planning Outcomes In Melbourne
As a Melbourne based arboricultural consultancy, we understand how local councils assess tree reports and planning applications.
Our services include:
• Arborist reports Melbourne
• Arborologist reports
• Root investigation
• Tree assessment reports
Each report is tailored to the specific planning controls affecting your site.
If your tree assessment report has been rejected or you are preparing a new planning application, professional guidance can make the difference between delay and approval.
Contact us to discuss your project with our experienced Melbourne based consultants.
