Between the ocean, the escarpments and Pittwater, the Northern Beaches are a challenging place to grow trees and an even more challenging place to build near them. Synertree provides independent arborist reports, Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) and project arborist services from Manly to Palm Beach. 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.
Manly, Fairlight, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, Seaforth, Freshwater, Queenscliff, Curl Curl, North Curl Curl, Dee Why, Collaroy, Narrabeen, Elanora Heights, Warriewood, Mona Vale, Bayview, Newport, Bilgola, Avalon Beach, Clareville, Whale Beach, Palm Beach, Frenchs Forest, Davidson, Belrose, Forestville, Killarney Heights, Allambie Heights 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.
Spotted Gums and Angophoras on steep slopes. The Beaches are known for their Spotted Gums, Smooth-barked Apples (Angophora) and cabbage tree palms. Many of them grow on steep sandstone slopes where houses are stepped into the hillside. Excavation for split levels, pools and access stairs can affect large root zones. Our AIAs assess each tree to AS 4970:2025 and recommend construction methods that keep the slope and the tree stable.
Sandy beachfront soils. On the beach flats, deep sandy soils let roots spread widely and quickly. A Tree Protection Zone can extend well across a narrow block. Non-destructive AirSpade investigation and LiDAR 3D root mapping show where the roots are, so footings can be placed with confidence.
Coastal exposure. Salt-laden wind shapes trees along the headlands and beachfront streets. Leaning trunks and one-sided canopies are common and not always a defect. A QTRA or ISA TRAQ tree risk assessment separates real hazards from trees that have adapted well to their setting.
Bushland interfaces and bushfire. Many properties back onto bushland reserves. Bushfire protection requirements can affect which trees stay and which go. Our reports give the tree information that designers and bushfire consultants need to work out a balanced outcome. Where trees have hollows that may provide habitat, we note this so the right specialist can be involved.
Escarpments, rock shelves and retaining walls. Trees growing on or above sandstone shelves often root into rock joints. Retaining walls, driveways and drainage can affect them in ways a simple calculation won't show. We look at the actual site conditions, not just the plans.
Driveways and street trees on narrow roads. Narrow roads with mature street trees make access and new crossovers tricky. We calculate impacts and design protection so construction traffic can get in without damaging the trees.
Q: Do you work across the whole Northern Beaches Council area?
A: Yes, from Manly and Seaforth to Palm Beach and Frenchs Forest, with reports prepared to suit Northern Beaches Council's DA tree requirements.
Q: Can I build a pool near a Spotted Gum or Angophora?
A: Often, yes, with the right design and evidence. Root investigation with AirSpade can show whether the excavation will affect significant roots, and an AIA sets out the protection measures.
Q: My tree leans towards the house. Should it come down?
A: Not necessarily. Many coastal trees lean naturally. A QTRA or ISA TRAQ risk assessment gives you an independent answer.
Q: Do you consider bushfire requirements?
A: We provide the tree information that your bushfire consultant and designer need, so tree retention and bushfire protection can be balanced.
Q: How much does an arborist report cost on the Northern Beaches?
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, survey or photos to info@synertree.com.au for a fixed quotation within 24 hours.