Have you heard about the new tree laws reshaping how property owners manage vegetation in Western Australia?
Recent changes to state and council regulations now require professional tree assessments before carrying out any pruning, removal, or significant maintenance work. These updates aim to protect Perth’s valuable tree canopy and ensure public safety across residential and commercial properties.
As experienced arborists, we’ve seen firsthand how these laws influence everything from small backyard jobs to large-scale developments. Understanding what’s required before you start work can save you from costly penalties and help preserve our local environment.
Understanding WA’s New Tree Protection Laws
In Western Australia, new regulations surrounding tree management have significantly changed how homeowners, developers, and businesses must approach vegetation on their properties. These updates reflect a growing commitment by local councils and state authorities to protect mature trees, maintain green infrastructure, and ensure that any tree work is performed responsibly and safely.
What Has Changed
Previously, many property owners could prune or remove trees on private land without much oversight. However, with the introduction of updated tree protection laws, assessments are now required before undertaking any major work. Depending on your local council area, you may need a formal permit or approval before removing, pruning, or even disturbing certain species. This applies to both private and commercial properties, especially where trees are identified as significant or protected under local planning schemes.
The laws are designed to prevent the unnecessary loss of established trees that contribute to Perth’s urban canopy. Councils are now enforcing these regulations more strictly, with fines or stop-work orders possible if tree work is conducted without the proper documentation or assessment.
Why These Laws Exist
The shift toward stricter regulation isn’t just about bureaucracy; it’s about safeguarding our shared environment. Mature trees play an essential role in cooling suburbs, providing wildlife habitats, improving air quality, and reducing erosion. When trees are removed or heavily pruned without proper evaluation, these benefits can be lost for decades.
By making assessments mandatory, authorities ensure that decisions are guided by qualified professionals who understand the biological, environmental, and structural implications of each tree. This helps balance development needs with long-term sustainability.
Who Needs to Comply
Anyone planning to undertake tree work, whether on residential land, commercial premises, or public property, should assume that a professional assessment is required. Councils often maintain lists of protected species or thresholds for trunk size and height, which determine whether a permit is necessary. Engaging a certified arborist before any work begins ensures that your project complies with both state and local requirements.
Why Tree Assessments Are Now Mandatory Before Work
The introduction of mandatory tree assessments has become one of the most significant updates to WA’s arboricultural regulations in recent years. These assessments are now a legal requirement before pruning, removing, or conducting any major work involving trees on both private and public land. But beyond compliance, the reasons behind this rule highlight the importance of safety, sustainability, and responsible tree management.
Protecting Perth’s Urban Environment
Western Australia’s growing suburbs have placed pressure on existing green spaces. Many areas that once featured established tree canopies have seen a steady reduction due to development and poor maintenance practices. The new requirement for tree assessments ensures every decision about a tree’s future is informed by expert evaluation rather than convenience. This helps preserve biodiversity, shade cover, and ecosystem balance throughout Perth’s urban landscape.
Ensuring Public Safety
Tree assessments are not just about conservation; they are a critical part of risk management. Trees that appear healthy can sometimes have internal decay, root damage, or structural instability that poses a danger to people and property. Through a professional assessment, arborists can detect early warning signs, preventing accidents caused by falling limbs or uprooted trees during storms. By identifying hazards before work begins, both homeowners and contractors reduce the risk of injury and liability.
Supporting Compliance and Accountability
With councils enforcing stricter guidelines, skipping an assessment can now lead to serious consequences. Property owners who remove or damage protected trees without prior evaluation may face significant fines or even legal action. A formal assessment serves as documented proof that all work complies with local and state laws. It demonstrates that due care has been taken to follow proper processes, protecting both the client and the contractor from disputes down the line.
The Role of Professional Arborists
Tree assessments must be carried out by qualified professionals who understand species identification, growth behaviour, and structural integrity. These experts use industry-approved methods to evaluate health, risk, and suitability for removal or retention. Their findings inform decisions that balance environmental responsibility with property safety. For Perth residents and businesses, engaging a qualified arborist before starting any tree work has become not only a smart decision but a legal necessity.
What Happens During a Professional Tree Assessment
A professional tree assessment is a structured and evidence-based process that allows arborists to evaluate the health, stability, and overall condition of a tree before any work is performed. This step is crucial not only for meeting Western Australia’s legal requirements but also for ensuring the safety of people, property, and the surrounding environment.
Initial Consultation and Site Evaluation
The process begins with an on-site visit, where a qualified arborist inspects the property and identifies which trees require assessment. They’ll discuss the client’s goals, whether it’s pruning for safety, removing a hazardous tree, or planning for development. This consultation helps determine the appropriate type of assessment, from a general health check to a detailed risk analysis.
During the site visit, arborists consider factors such as the tree’s age, species, and position in relation to structures, fences, or power lines. They’ll also look for signs of poor soil conditions, restricted root zones, or damage caused by nearby construction work. This early evaluation forms the foundation for a thorough and compliant report.
Detailed Inspection and Data Collection
The next stage involves a close examination of the tree’s physical condition. Using specialised tools and techniques, the arborist evaluates several key indicators:
- Canopy health: Checking for dead or diseased branches, defoliation, or signs of pest infestation.
- Trunk integrity: Assessing for cavities, cracks, or fungal decay that might weaken structural strength.
- Root stability: Identifying exposed roots, girdling, or disturbance caused by excavation or heavy machinery.
- Surrounding hazards: Evaluating nearby obstacles that may affect tree growth or pose safety risks.
In some cases, non-invasive technologies such as sonic tomography or resistance drilling may be used to detect internal decay without damaging the tree.
Risk Assessment and Recommendations
Once the data is collected, the arborist assigns a risk rating to each tree based on its likelihood of failure and potential impact. This rating helps prioritise which trees require urgent attention and which can be safely retained. The findings are then compiled into a detailed arborist report that outlines recommended actions, such as pruning, removal, or ongoing maintenance schedules.
These reports are essential when submitting development applications or council permits. They demonstrate that all decisions have been guided by professional expertise and that safety and environmental protection have been properly considered.
The Value of Accurate Reporting
Accurate documentation protects property owners from liability and ensures that any work carried out aligns with legal requirements. It also helps maintain Perth’s natural assets for future generations. A professional tree assessment isn’t just a formality; it’s a responsible and proactive approach to managing vegetation safely and sustainably.
How Perth Arbor Services Helps You Stay Compliant
Navigating Western Australia’s new tree laws can feel complex, especially when multiple council and state regulations overlap. At Perth Arbor Services, we make compliance straightforward by handling every stage of the process with professionalism, precision, and care. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all tree work is performed safely, responsibly, and in full alignment with current legislation.
Comprehensive Tree Assessments and Reports
We begin by conducting detailed on-site inspections to evaluate the condition, species, and structural integrity of your trees. Our qualified arborists prepare clear, evidence-based reports that meet council requirements and provide the documentation needed for permit applications. These reports not only help you stay compliant but also guide informed decision-making about tree maintenance, removal, or preservation.
Each assessment includes a visual inspection, hazard analysis, and photographic evidence. When required, we liaise directly with local councils to ensure your project progresses smoothly. Whether it’s a residential property or a large-scale development, our reports are designed to stand up to official review and demonstrate full regulatory compliance.
Commitment to Safety and Best Practice
Since our founding in 2011, Perth Arbor Services has built its reputation on professionalism and safety. We maintain rigorous Occupational Health and Safety standards across all projects, protecting our clients, their property, our workers, and the public. Every project comes with a detailed Safety Method Statement, outlining how work will be completed in a controlled and compliant manner.
Our fleet of equipment, including tipper trucks, Hiab trucks, stump grinders, and chippers, is regularly serviced and maintained to ensure safety and reliability. We never compromise on standards, because safety and quality are the foundation of our service.
Qualified Arborists Who Understand Local Requirements
Our team is composed of qualified tree surgeons who have studied Arboriculture at Murdoch University and have extensive hands-on experience across Perth’s diverse landscapes. This local knowledge is invaluable when assessing tree species common to Western Australia, as well as understanding the unique challenges presented by our climate and soil conditions.
By staying up to date with the latest industry standards, training, and legislative changes, we make sure your property remains compliant while supporting the long-term health of Perth’s tree canopy. Our clients trust us not just to get the job done, but to do it correctly, with integrity, expertise, and respect for the environment.
Trusted by Councils and Government Projects Across WA
Our expertise extends beyond residential and commercial clients. Perth Arbor Services has also delivered large-scale arboricultural work for local councils and government departments across Western Australia. These projects require strict adherence to environmental, safety, and regulatory frameworks; something our team handles with precision and professionalism. Our proven track record in these complex environments reinforces the trust major organisations place in our experience, systems, and reliability.
The Risks of Ignoring the New Tree Laws
Failing to follow Western Australia’s updated tree laws can lead to serious and lasting consequences. While some property owners may be tempted to skip assessments or proceed with work without approval to save time, the risks far outweigh any short-term convenience. From financial penalties to environmental damage, non-compliance can create complications that are costly to fix and difficult to justify.
Significant Council Fines and Legal Action
Local councils across Perth are now actively enforcing tree protection regulations, meaning unauthorised pruning or removal is no longer overlooked. If work is performed without the proper assessment or permit, property owners can face substantial fines. In more serious cases, legal action may follow, especially if protected or significant trees are damaged or destroyed.
For businesses and developers, these penalties can also harm reputations and delay projects. Councils may suspend permits or require remediation, forcing additional costs that could have been avoided through proper compliance.
Property and Public Safety Hazards
Ignoring assessment requirements increases the risk of accidents and property damage. Without a professional inspection, there’s no way to accurately determine whether a tree is structurally sound or poses a danger. Hidden root damage, internal decay, or weak branches can cause severe harm during storms or high winds. A single incident can result in injury, damage to neighbouring properties, and even liability claims against the property owner or contractor.
By conducting assessments before starting work, these risks can be identified and mitigated well in advance.
Environmental and Community Impact
The loss of mature trees has a long-term environmental cost that extends far beyond one property. Each tree contributes to shade, air quality, and habitat for native wildlife. Removing or damaging them unnecessarily can disrupt local ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and contribute to higher urban temperatures.
With Perth’s commitment to maintaining a healthy urban canopy, councils and communities expect responsible tree management. Ignoring the laws doesn’t just break regulations, it undermines the broader goal of sustainability and community wellbeing.
Financial Costs Beyond Fines
Non-compliance can lead to further financial repercussions beyond direct penalties. Property owners may be required to replace removed trees with mature specimens, undertake costly landscaping repairs, or fund environmental restoration. Insurance claims may also be rejected if unauthorised work is proven to have caused damage or injury. What could have been a simple assessment often becomes an expensive lesson in due diligence.
Staying Compliant Starts with the Right Advice
Have you recently planned any tree work or property development that might be affected by WA’s new regulations?
Taking the time to organise a professional assessment before you begin isn’t just a formality; it’s the key to staying compliant, protecting your property, and safeguarding the environment. The new tree laws are designed to encourage responsible management, ensuring that every decision made about our natural landscape is informed and sustainable.
At Perth Arbor Services, we combine years of local expertise with a deep understanding of arboricultural standards to help our clients meet every legal requirement with confidence. Whether you need advice, an assessment, or complete tree management services, our qualified team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Reach out to us today and let’s work together to ensure your property remains safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible.