Council-Compliant Tree Protection Plans (AS 4970)
Tree Protection Plans are required to ensure retained trees are properly protected and managed during development, building works and construction activities across the Sutherland Shire Council area.
They are commonly applied as a condition of consent under a Development Application or Complying Development Certificate where trees are retained or may be affected by proposed works.
Our local Level 5 Arborists prepare Council-ready Tree Protection Plans in accordance with AS 4970 - Protection of Trees on Development Sites, ensuring each plan is clear, practical and enforceable on site.
Tree Protection Plans Work Alongside
- Arborist Reports
- DA Tree Reports for Property Owners
- Arborist Reports for Builders and Architects
- Project Arborist supervision during construction
What Is a Tree Protection Plan?
A Tree Protection Plan outlines how retained trees must be safeguarded throughout construction and defines the controls that builders and contractors are required to follow on site.
A typical Tree Protection Plan includes:
- Identification of trees to be retained
- TPZ and SRZ calculations in accordance with AS 4970
- Tree protection fencing locations and specifications
- No-go zones and exclusion areas
- Approved construction methods near trees
- Site access, excavation and material storage restrictions
- Arborist supervision or certification requirements
When Should Tree Protection Be Considered?
- Trees are proposed to be retained on or near the site
- Works are planned within a Tree Protection Zone or Structural Root Zone
- Excavation, footings or services are proposed close to trees
- Council or certifier conditions require tree protection measures
- Construction staging may impact retained vegetation
Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ)
All Tree Protection Plans include accurate TPZ and SRZ mapping prepared in accordance with AS 4970. These zones are clearly calculated, scaled correctly and overlaid onto architectural or engineering drawings so site personnel can easily identify where work is permitted and restricted.
Tree Protection Fencing and Site Controls
- Type and placement of tree protection fencing
- Signage requirements
- Ground protection measures
- Restrictions on storage, vehicle access and excavation
- Sequencing requirements for construction activities
Relationship to Project Arborist Services
Where Tree Protection Plans form part of development consent conditions, Council commonly requires Project Arborist involvement, including site inspections during works within TPZs or SRZs and compliance certification at key stages of construction.
In these cases, the Tree Protection Plan establishes the required controls, while Project Arborist services ensure those controls are correctly implemented and maintained on site.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tree Protection Plans – Sutherland Shire Council
What does a Tree Protection Plan involve?
A Tree Protection Plan outlines how retained trees must be protected during construction in accordance with AS 4970.
It sets out site-specific controls such as TPZ and SRZ boundaries, fencing, exclusion zones, approved construction methods and any supervision requirements that must be followed throughout the project.
When is a Tree Protection Plan required?
When retained trees may be affected by proposed works or where conditions are applied by Council or a certifier.
These plans are typically required where construction occurs within TPZs or SRZs, excavation is proposed near trees, or tree protection measures are included as part of DA or CDC consent conditions.
Are Tree Protection Plans needed for both DA and CDC approvals?
Yes, they can be required under both approval pathways where trees are being retained.
Tree Protection Plans may be requested for DA and CDC applications where construction has the potential to impact retained trees, providing clear guidance for compliance during works.
Will Council accept my Tree Protection Plan?
Yes, when prepared by a qualified Level 5 Arborist in accordance with AS 4970.
Council relies on professionally prepared, standards-compliant plans to manage tree protection during construction and to enforce site conditions.
Request a Tree Protection Plan Today
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