The North Shore is one of the most heavily treed parts of Sydney. Tall eucalypts, remnant forest and established gardens define the area, so trees are often the biggest single factor in what can be built. Synertree provides independent arborist reports, Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) and project arborist services across the Lower and Upper North Shore. 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.
Lower North Shore: North Sydney, Mosman, Cremorne Point, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, McMahons Point, Lavender Bay, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, Cammeray, Crows Nest, Wollstonecraft, Waverton, Greenwich, Lane Cove, Northwood, Longueville, Hunters Hill, Woolwich, Gladesville, Ryde, Putney, Artarmon, Willoughby, Naremburn, Castlecrag, Northbridge.
Upper North Shore: Chatswood, Roseville, Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Pymble, West Pymble, Turramurra, Warrawee, Wahroonga, St Ives, St Ives Chase, Normanhurst, Hornsby, Waitara, Thornleigh 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.
Tall eucalypts and remnant forest. Many Upper North Shore streets still carry towering Sydney Blue Gums, Blackbutts and Turpentines, some of them remnants of the original forest. These trees have large Tree Protection Zones and high retention value, and they're often protected by more than one control. Our AIAs assess each tree carefully to AS 4970:2025 and explain clearly what can be built around it. Where a site may also need ecological input, we'll tell you early.
Big lots, big canopies, big projects. Knock-down rebuilds, pools, tennis courts and new driveways on large blocks can affect a dozen trees at once. Accurate tree locations make a real difference here. We can survey trees with survey-grade GNSS (Trimble DA2) to 1 cm accuracy, so the Tree Protection Zones on your plans are exactly where the trees stand.
Steep gullies and creek lines. Properties that fall towards bushland gullies bring slope stability, stormwater and access issues, all of which affect root zones. Our ArborCAD Tree Protection Plans show where machinery, stockpiles and services can go without harming the trees you're keeping.
Bushland edges and risk. Homes backing onto bushland sit beside large trees that may never have been assessed. A QTRA or ISA TRAQ tree risk assessment gives you an objective measure of risk. It helps you avoid both unnecessary removals and ignored hazards.
Harbourside sandstone. On the Lower North Shore, sandstone outcrops and shallow soils mean roots travel far and shallow. Before a basement or pool is designed, non-destructive AirSpade investigation and LiDAR 3D root mapping can show where the roots really are.
Heritage conservation areas. Established gardens in heritage areas often include significant exotic trees such as oaks, elms, liquidambars and jacarandas. Our reports explain their significance and condition so planning decisions are well informed.
Q: Which North Shore council areas do you cover?
A: All of them: North Sydney, Mosman, Willoughby, Lane Cove, Hunter's Hill, Ku-ring-gai, the City of Ryde and Hornsby Shire. Reports are prepared to suit each council's DA tree requirements.
Q: My block has a lot of large eucalypts. Can I still build?
A: In many cases, yes, if the design respects the trees with the highest retention value. A Pre-AIA at concept stage shows you the constraints before you commit to a design.
Q: The survey doesn't show all my trees accurately. Is that a problem?
A: It can be, because Tree Protection Zones are measured from the trunk. We can locate trees with survey-grade GNSS to 1 cm accuracy.
Q: Is the big gum over my house safe?
A: A QTRA or ISA TRAQ risk assessment gives you an objective answer, plus practical recommendations. Because we don't do tree work, the advice is independent.
Q: How much does an AIA cost on the North Shore?
A: From $880 + GST for one tree on 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 and larger or complex sites are quoted separately on your plans, with a fixed quotation within 24 hours.
Email your plans and survey to info@synertree.com.au for a fixed quotation within 24 hours.