Inner West blocks are narrow, the houses are old and the trees are often bigger than the backyard. Whether it's a rear extension on a terrace, a secondary dwelling or a full knock-down rebuild, there's usually a tree nearby that needs to be assessed. Synertree prepares independent arborist reports and Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) across the Inner West. Arborist reports and AIAs start from $880 + GST (AIAs for one tree), with fixed quotations within 24 hours.
Arborist reports from $880 + GST · AIAs from $880 + GST for one tree · Fixed quotations within 24 hours · All reports are completed by an AQF Level 5 or AQF Level 8 Arborist
What's included in an AIA from $880 + GST (one tree): a basic development proposal. We supply our captured tree data to your architect and landscape architect, and their plans show the tree retention and removal plan. ArborCAD Tree Protection Plans aren't included. ArborCAD Tree Protection Plans and larger or complex sites are quoted separately on your plans, with a fixed quotation within 24 hours.
Newtown, Enmore, Erskineville, St Peters, Sydenham, Tempe, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Petersham, Lewisham, Stanmore, Camperdown, Annandale, Glebe, Forest Lodge, Leichhardt, Lilyfield, Rozelle, Balmain, Birchgrove, Haberfield, Summer Hill, Ashfield, Croydon, Croydon Park, Burwood, Strathfield, Homebush, Abbotsford, Five Dock, Drummoyne, Concord and the surrounding suburbs.
We work across the following council areas:
Our AIAs and arborist reports are prepared to suit each council's DA tree requirements, and to AS 4970:2025.
Narrow lots and rear extensions. On a five-metre-wide terrace lot, there's no room to move a building away from a tree. The answer is usually in the detail: where the roots actually run, which footings can bridge them, and what can be dug by hand. Our AIAs give councils that detail. Where it matters, we back it up with AirSpade root investigation.
Neighbours' trees over the fence. In the Inner West, the tree that controls your project often isn't yours. We assess neighbouring trees from your side of the boundary, calculate encroachment to AS 4970:2025 and write protection measures your builder can follow without stepping onto next door's land.
Reactive clay soils. Much of the Inner West sits on shale-derived clay soils that shrink and swell with moisture. Trees, footings and old drainage interact in ways that can cause disputes about cracking and movement. Our independent assessments set out what the tree is and isn't likely to be doing, based on evidence.
Heritage conservation areas. Many streets sit within heritage conservation areas, where established gardens and mature trees contribute to the streetscape. Our reports explain a tree's contribution clearly, which helps planners, heritage advisers and owners reach a sensible outcome.
Rear lanes and access. Lane access for machinery, skip bins and deliveries often passes directly under or beside trees. We plan access routes, ground protection and branch protection so construction can proceed without damage.
Street trees under power lines. Many Inner West street trees have been heavily pruned for power line clearance. New driveways, service trenches and footpath works near these trees still need careful assessment, and we provide it.
Secondary dwellings and granny flats. Backyard studios and granny flats are usually built right where the biggest tree is. A Pre-AIA before design can save a redesign later.
Q: Do you cover the Inner West, Canada Bay, Burwood and Strathfield council areas?
A: Yes. We work across Inner West Council, the City of Canada Bay, Burwood Council, Strathfield Council and the inner suburbs of the City of Sydney, with reports prepared to suit each council's DA tree requirements.
Q: My neighbour's tree is close to my planned extension. Do I need an arborist?
A: Usually, yes. If your works come within the Tree Protection Zone of a protected tree next door, council will generally require an AIA. We assess the tree from your side of the fence.
Q: Can I build a granny flat near a large tree?
A: Often you can, with the right footing design and protection. A Pre-AIA at sketch stage shows the constraints before you commit to a layout.
Q: Is the tree causing the cracks in my house?
A: It might be, or the cause could be soil, drainage or the age of the building. We give an independent assessment of the tree's likely role, without any interest in removing it.
Q: How much does an arborist report cost in the Inner West?
A: Arborist reports start from $880 + GST for 1–5 trees. AIAs start from $880 + GST for one tree on a basic development proposal. ArborCAD Tree Protection Plans and larger or complex sites are quoted separately on your plans, with a fixed quotation within 24 hours.
Email your plans or a few photos to info@synertree.com.au for a fixed quotation within 24 hours.