Preliminary tree assessments in Cairns
The first step in planning around trees: data on every significant tree, collected before design starts.
- Done before the design phase
- Includes neighbouring trees
- Retention values for every tree
- Can satisfy council on its own
Get a free quote
Tell us about the job and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Thanks, we’ve got it
A member of the AVM team will be in touch within one business day.
AQF Level 5Qualified consulting arborists
QAA memberQueensland Arboricultural Association
Own equipmentEWPs, grinders, chippers and trucks in-house
Fixed pricingThe price you’re given is the price you’ll pay
Collect the data before you design
A preliminary tree assessment reports on the existing trees on a site, including trees on neighbouring land that a future development might affect. It’s carried out before design begins, so the layout can work around the trees that matter.
We record arboricultural data for each tree, including species, age, origin, dimensions, health, structure, significance, useful life expectancy and retention value.
The assessment can accompany building or subdivision plans submitted to council. Depending on the design, it may satisfy council’s planning requirements without further reports.

What we record
Species and origin
What the tree is, and whether it’s native or introduced.
Dimensions
Height, trunk diameter and canopy spread.
Health and structure
Vigour, defects, decay and form.
Significance
Landscape, ecological and heritage value.
Useful life expectancy
How long the tree is likely to remain safe and viable.
Retention value
Which trees are worth designing around.
Crucial for development planning
Preliminary tree assessments identify tree health, structure and suitability before construction begins. They help developers make informed decisions, comply with local regulations and protect valuable trees.
They also reduce conflicts later. Designing around the right trees at the start is far cheaper than redesigning after council asks questions. If trees will be affected, the next step is a development impact report.
- Fewer redesigns and council requests
- Valuable trees protected from the start
- Clear data for designers and engineers

Simple, start to finish
One team handles the quote, the paperwork and the work itself, so nothing falls between the gaps.
Brief
Tell us about the site, the trees and what council or your project needs.
Site assessment
An AQF Level 5 consulting arborist inspects and measures the trees.
Report
We prepare a clear report to the relevant standard and council requirements.
Follow-through
We liaise with council and your team, and can carry out the approved work.
Preliminary Tree Assessments near you
We provide preliminary tree assessments across Cairns and Far North Queensland, from the northern beaches to Gordonvale, Port Douglas, Innisfail and the Tablelands. These are some of the areas we work in most often for this service.
Talk to an arborist
Call the office on (07) 4055 2516, or after hours for storm damage on 0447 925 135.
Preliminary Tree Assessments questions
When should I get a preliminary tree assessment?
Before your designer starts the layout. That way the design can work around significant trees from the beginning.
Does it include trees next door?
Yes. Trees on neighbouring land that could be affected by your development are included.
Will council need more reports?
Sometimes. If the design affects trees, council may ask for a development impact report and tree protection plan.
Can you help with land clearing afterwards?
Yes. We can carry out the approved clearing and set up tree protection.
Related services

Development Impact Reports
Arboricultural impact assessments to AS 4970-2009 for development applications.
Learn more
Tree Protection Plans
Specific protection measures that keep retained trees viable through construction.
Learn more
Block & Land Clearing
Tree felling, root removal, excavation and mulching to get blocks build-ready.
Learn more