Site set up (including tree protection)

Tree protection
Guidance on tree protection

Successful preservation of trees on development sites is an outcome of good planning, site responsive and sensitive design; and a commitment to tree protection during project implementation.
Planning for tree protection
See AS 4970: Protection of trees on development sites for detailed tree protection strategies and guidance.
See Table 1: Tree protection planning as an example of the required stages of tree protection, for each stage of a standard Sunshine Coast Council project.
Table 1: Tree protection planning
Project stage | Tree protection recommendations |
Survey | Accurate plotting of all existing trees. |
Preliminary tree assessment for early identification of important trees | Project arborist evaluation of existing trees to identify and report on specimens suitable for retention. TPZs (Tree protection zones) should be calculated at this time as they will be indicative of setbacks required. |
Preliminary design development | Project arborist review of preliminary plans/concepts to determine development impact on trees. Design modifications to minimise impacts should be suggested at this time. |
Development of design detail and approval of design | Designer to ensure all detail relevant to trees is shown (to scale) on plans including levels, batters and locations of services. Project arborist to develop a tree protection management plan or specific tree protection conditions. See LIM Site set up – section 7.0 SCC Standard tree protection conditions. |
Pre-construction and pre-start meeting | TPZs to be formally established and fenced where necessary. Any protective tree maintenance works to be undertaken prior to works commencement. Responsible officer/contractor to brief workers in tree protection requirements at a pre-start meeting. |
Construction phase | Project arborist to supervise works where necessary and monitor TPZs throughout duration (especially during excavation). TPZs to remain in place until project completion. |
Post construction | Project arborist certification of tree condition. |
Source: AS 4970 – Protection of trees on development sites.
This component is currently in development