Trees are beautiful. They shade our homes, clean our air, and give us a perfect excuse not to mow “that bit” of lawn.
But in Australia — where councils love a good regulation and certain trees are more protected than celebrity Instagram accounts — managing them properly isn’t just a good idea, it’s a legal requirement in many cases.
Enter the Tree Management Plan (TMP): the game plan for keeping your trees healthy, safe, compliant, and not the subject of a neighbourly feud.
Whether you’re a property developer, homeowner, school principal, or someone who’s just realised that the massive gum in your front yard could squash the carport, this guide is for you.
Quick Snapshot: Why Tree Management Plans Matter
What is it?
A detailed, site-specific strategy for the care, protection, and management of trees over time.
Who needs it?
Developers, councils, schools, commercial sites, large estates, and sometimes private homeowners.
When is it required?
Before development, during construction, for ongoing maintenance, or to meet council conditions.
Main benefit
Balances safety, compliance, and environmental value.
Typical cost in Australia
$500–$2000 depending on scope and complexity.
In short: A Tree Management Plan is like a health and safety plan for your greenery — it keeps everyone safe, happy, and fine-free.
(Stick around — we’ll break it down so you know exactly what’s involved.)
What Exactly Is a Tree Management Plan?
Think of a TMP as a personal trainer and nutritionist for your trees, but with a lot more paperwork and fewer protein shakes.
It’s a document prepared by a qualified arborist that details:
Which trees are on your property and their condition.
How they should be protected during construction or development.
Ongoing care and maintenance schedules.
Hazard management — identifying risky trees or branches.
Compliance with local laws and environmental guidelines.
In many council areas across Australia, a TMP is mandatory before any major development or landscaping work, especially if there are protected species or heritage-listed trees on site.
Why Australians Should Care About Tree Management Plans
Our landscape is full of native species that aren’t just pretty — they’re often legally protected. Ignoring the rules can mean:
Fines running into tens of thousands of dollars.
Stop-work orders on your project.
Bad press in the local paper (nobody wants to be “that” developer).
But TMPs aren’t just about avoiding trouble — they:
Keep construction projects on track by preventing last-minute tree-related delays.
Protect property values by maintaining healthy, attractive trees.
Reduce safety risks from falling limbs or unstable trees.
When Do You Need a Tree Management Plan?
You might need a TMP if you are:
Developing land with existing mature trees.
Renovating or extending a property near tree root zones.
Managing public spaces like parks, schools, hospitals.
Running a commercial site with landscaped areas.
Complying with council conditions after a planning permit.
Pro Tip: If you’ve ever thought “We’ll just deal with the trees later,” stop. That’s how budgets blow out and timelines get messy.
Mini Quiz: Do You Need a Tree Management Plan?
Tick any that apply:
I’m starting a development project.
There are heritage-listed or protected trees on the site.
The council has mentioned “tree protection zones.”
We’ve had neighbour complaints about overhanging branches.
There’s a school playground or public path under large trees.
If you ticked 1 or more: You should speak to a consulting arborist.
If you ticked 3 or more: A TMP isn’t just likely — it’s probably required.
What’s in a Professional Tree Management Plan?
A good Australian TMP will include:
Tree Survey & Identification – Location, species, age, health.
Condition Assessment – Disease, pests, structural stability.
Risk Analysis – Potential hazards to people, property, or infrastructure.
Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) – Where you can’t dig, store materials, or drive machinery.
Construction Guidelines – How to work around trees without damaging them.
Maintenance Program – Pruning, watering, pest control schedules.
Compliance Statement – Relevant council and state laws.
The Aussie Council Connection
Every council has its own rules — and they can be strict.
For example:
In Sydney, the Development Control Plan outlines specific root protection requirements.
In Melbourne, the City of Yarra has guidelines that can require a TMP even for pruning certain mature trees.
In Brisbane, you may need a TMP before lodging some development applications.
Moral of the story: check your local rules before you touch a tree.
The Costs & Timeframes
Cost: $500–$2000 depending on site size and complexity.
Timeframe: Usually 1–2 weeks for a complete plan, longer for large developments.
Validity: Often 12 months, but some councils may require annual updates.
Q&A: Busting Tree Management Myths
Q: Can I just write my own Tree Management Plan?
A: Nope. Councils require these to be prepared by a qualified arborist (Level 5 AQF or higher).
Q: Is it just for new developments?
A: No — TMPs can also apply to existing properties, especially schools, parks, and commercial sites.
Q: Do TMPs cover tree removal?
A: Yes — they can recommend removal if a tree is hazardous or non-compliant, but they’ll also outline replanting requirements.
The Benefits Beyond Compliance
Safer worksites and public spaces
Improved environmental outcomes
Fewer project delays
Better neighbour relations (no “angry letterbox notes”)
And let’s face it — nothing feels better than telling a council inspector, “Yes, we have a Tree Management Plan, and it’s up to date.”
FAQs About Tree Management Plans in Australia
1. Do all councils require a Tree Management Plan?
No, but many do for developments involving significant or protected trees.
2. Who can prepare a TMP?
A Level 5 AQF Certified Arborist or equivalent.
3. How often should TMPs be updated?
Typically every 12 months, or after major site changes.
4. Can a TMP help with insurance claims?
Yes — it can show proactive risk management.
5. Does a TMP cover tree planting?
Yes — many plans include planting strategies to replace removed or lost trees.
Final Thoughts
A Tree Management Plan in Australia isn’t just red tape — it’s a smart, proactive step for any property owner, developer, or organisation that values safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility.
Ignoring trees can cost you money, time, and reputation. Managing them properly with a TMP can save you all three.
Remember:
Healthy, managed trees = smoother projects.
Ignored trees = council headaches and budget nightmares.
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