Stem Arboriculture provides ISA TRAQ risk assessments for property owners and organisations with duty-of-care obligations for trees. Reports identify trees of concern, recommend treatments, and provide a prioritised risk register.
Required for most Melbourne council planning permit applications where construction is proposed near significant or protected trees. Evaluates tree retention value, calculates SRZ and TPZ to AS4970-2009, and assesses construction impact.
Details the specific protection measures required to safeguard retained trees before, during, and after construction. Typically a condition of planning permit approval. Includes TPZ fencing specifications, soil protection, and arboricultural supervision requirements.
Independent arboricultural assessment for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and dispute resolution where trees are alleged to have caused damage to buildings, pipes, or infrastructure. Root mapping and multi-disciplinary approach.
Provides early-stage arboricultural input to help architects and developers understand tree constraints before design is locked in. Identifies retention value, establishes minimum construction setbacks, and reduces planning permit delays.
Required for planning permit applications on properties in Victoria’s Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO). Assesses vegetation, determines required management zones, and identifies the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) for the site.
Pre-planting inspection assessing root development, structural formation, and health of nursery stock. Required under many Melbourne subdivision permit conditions for street and open-space planting. Certifies conforming specimens and identifies non-conforming stock.
Graeme Lewis is an accredited arboricultural expert witness with experience at VCAT, Planning Panels Victoria, and the County Court of Victoria. Reports and evidence prepared in accordance with the relevant Expert Witness Code of Conduct.