LiDAR 3D Root Mapping in Sydney: Know Exactly Where the Roots Are

When a footing, driveway, pool, service trench or retaining wall has to go near a tree, the standard calculation only tells you where roots might be. Root mapping shows where they are. A well-documented investigation often allows a design that a desktop assessment alone would rule out. It can save a tree, a redesign or both.

Synertree combines three technologies to produce some of the most accurate and useful root maps available:

1. Airspade non-destructive excavation. Compressed air removes soil without cutting, tearing or scraping the roots, so they're exposed intact and the tree isn't harmed by the investigation.

2. LiDAR 3D scanning. We scan the exposed roots in 3D, which captures their position, depth, diameter and spread as a measurable record rather than a sketch or a photo.

3. Trimble DA2 GNSS receiver with Catalyst. We position the trench and roots down to 1 cm, so the root map sits exactly where it belongs on your survey base plan.

The result: an accurate, measurable 3D model of the roots, with a root map we overlay on your plans in ArborCAD. Your architect, engineer and council see the same evidence, so design decisions such as footing locations, bridging, pier spacing and service routes can be made with confidence.

When you need root mapping

• Your design is a moderate or major encroachment under AS 4970:2025 and the project arborist must show the tree will remain viable.
• Council has asked for a root investigation in an RFI or a consent condition.
• You're deciding on footing types or locations: pier and beam, screw piles, suspended slabs or strip footings.
• A service trench, driveway, pool or retaining wall has to pass through a root zone.
• A neighbour's tree has roots extending into your site.
• Root damage disputes, such as roots near pipes, paving or structures, where you need evidence before anything is cut.

What you get

• A pre-investigation briefing and trench layout agreed with your design team.
• Airspade excavation along the agreed alignments.
• LiDAR 3D scans of all exposed roots, with root diameters recorded.
• GNSS positioning down to 1 cm, tied to your survey.
• An ArborCAD root map overlaid on your architectural, structural or services plans.
• A root mapping report that sets out the findings, assesses the impact on tree health and stability, says which roots can and can't be pruned, and gives design and construction recommendations to AS 4970:2025. Any approved root pruning is specified to AS 4373-2007.
• Photographic records, plus a 3D model of the mapped roots your consultants can use.

Who it's for: architects, engineers, builders, developers, homeowners going through a DA, strata committees and councils.

Why Synertree

• One practice from start to finish. The arborist who maps the roots writes the AIA and certifies the work, so the evidence carries through.
• Measurable 3D data, positioned to your survey, not an estimate.
• Non-destructive. The investigation itself doesn't harm the tree.
• Reports written the way Sydney council assessors expect.

Turnaround: each job is quoted on time on site plus the desktop day to process the scans and produce the ArborCAD root map and report.

Is a design close to a tree? Email the site address, survey and plans to info@synertree.com.au and we'll scope a root investigation.