Project arborist work involves the assessment, management, and maintenance of trees, especially in urban and peri-urban environments, to ensure their health, safety, and compliance with applicable standards. In Australia, the work is often guided by the Australian Standard AS 4970-2009, which provides comprehensive guidelines for protecting trees during development activities.

AS 4970-2009 Overview: The standard emphasizes:

  • The importance of protecting tree roots and the critical root zone.

  • Guidelines for establishing protection zones based on canopy spread, root zone, and species-specific factors.

  • Methods for safely working around trees, including fencing, signage, and site management.

  • Strategies to minimize ground disturbance and soil compaction.

  • Recommendations for tree health management during and after construction.

By adhering to AS 4970-2009, project arborists help ensure that development activities do not unnecessarily compromise the health and safety of retained trees, preserve ecological benefits, and meet regulatory requirements.

Pre Construction

Key aspects of project arborist work in relation to AS 4970-2009 include:

  1. Pre-Development Tree Assessment:

    • Conduct detailed surveys to identify the location, species, size, health, and root zone of trees.

    • Document trees that are to be retained or removed, including their ecological and aesthetic value.

  2. Tree Protection Planning:

    • Develop Tree Protection Management Plans (TPMP) aligned with AS 4970-2009.

    • Designate protection zones around trees, typically represented as the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), which is usually based on the root zone size.

  3. Tree Protection Measures:

    • Implement and maintain physical barriers such as fencing to prevent soil compaction, damage, or removal within the TPZ.

    • Ensure that construction activities conform to the standards for avoiding root damage, soil disturbance, and compaction within protection zones.

 

During Construction

 

  1. Construction Process Management:

    • Supervise construction activities to monitor compliance with the TPP.
    • Employ techniques to minimize root disturbance, such as hand digging or aerial root pruning, where necessary.
    • Coordinate with construction teams to modify activities that could compromise tree health.

Post Construction

 

  1. Post-Construction Monitoring:

    • Inspect trees after construction to assess health and stability.
    • Implement remedial actions if adverse impacts on trees are identified.

  2. Compliance and Documentation:

    • Ensure all activities are compliant with AS 4970-2009 requirements.
    • Prepare reports, including tree hazard assessments, protection strategies, and post-project evaluations.