Start with the question you need answered
Explain what has prompted the enquiry: a change in tree health, a visible defect, maintenance planning, a property project or a request for a written report. Include who needs the advice and any relevant deadline. A description of the decision is more useful than requesting a report without explaining its purpose.
Send the location and describe access
Provide the suburb and property or site location in your enquiry. Explain how many trees are involved, whether they are accessible from the ground, who can authorise access and whether there are site restrictions. Sorbus will confirm the service area and scope before arranging work.
Take useful photographs from a safe position
- A wider view showing the whole tree and nearby buildings or accessways.
- The trunk base and the feature you want assessed, if visible safely from the ground.
- A location reference so photographs can be matched to the right tree.
Photographs help scope the enquiry; they may not show everything needed for an assessment. Do not climb, approach unstable limbs or enter restricted areas to obtain a photograph.
For development work, include the available plans
Share the current site plan, proposed works and any instructions you have received from the approving authority or project team. Identify the plan version. Ask whether a tree survey, arboricultural impact assessment or protection advice suits the question. Requirements and reporting scope depend on the project.
Agree what will be delivered
Discuss whether you need verbal advice, a tree schedule, a map, photographs, a written report or ongoing management recommendations. Confirm the audience and any required format. An assessment cannot guarantee a particular council or project outcome.
A brief you can copy into your enquiry
- Site location and access contact:
- Number of trees and the concern or proposed project:
- Decision the advice needs to support:
- Available photographs, plans or previous reports:
- Who will use the advice and when it is needed:
- Preferred deliverables:
Arrange site access and discuss inspection scope and limitations before the visit.
Prepared by Sorbus Arbor Consulting.