BC Arboriculture
About
BC Arboriculture provides professional, independent and practical arboricultural consultancy services throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, supporting residential, commercial and government clients.
Our highly qualified and experienced consulting arborists deliver comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and advice, specialising in preliminary arboricultural reports, arboricultural impact assessments, tree risk assessments, and tree protection plans and specifications.
With extensive knowledge of Australian Standards, statutory planning requirements and contemporary arboricultural practices, we deliver clear, technically sound recommendations that balance tree retention, development objectives and regulatory compliance.
Services
Preliminary Arboricultural Reports (PAR)
Preliminary Arboricultural Reports (PAR) provide a comprehensive assessment of trees located within and adjacent to a proposed development site, identifying their condition, suitability for retention and associated development constraints.
Prepared in accordance with AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites, these reports identify Notional Root Zones (NRZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ), providing essential arboricultural information to guide site planning and development design.
By identifying tree-related constraints early in the design process, a PAR assists architects, developers and planning consultants in developing appropriate design solutions that balance development objectives with tree retention.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) evaluate the potential impacts of proposed development works on trees identified for retention within and adjacent to a development site.
Prepared in accordance with AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites, these assessments examine proposed encroachments into Notional Root Zones (NRZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ), evaluate the likely effects on tree health, stability and long-term viability, and provide recommendations to minimise adverse impacts.
Typically undertaken following the Preliminary Arboricultural Report (PAR), an AIA informs design development, identifies appropriate tree protection measures and supports planning permit applications submitted to the relevant responsible authority
Tree Protection Plans and Specifications
Tree Protection Plans and Specifications outline the measures required to protect retained trees throughout the development process, from site establishment and construction through to project completion.
Prepared in accordance with AS 4970:2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites, these documents establish tree protection requirements, including designated Tree Protection Zones (TPZ), protective fencing, construction methodologies and management measures to minimise impacts on tree health and stability.
BC Arboriculture also provides project arborist services, including site inspections, construction monitoring and specialist advice to ensure tree protection measures are appropriately implemented and maintained throughout development.
Health, Condition, and Risk Assessments
Tree Health, Condition and Risk Assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of tree health, structural condition and potential risks associated with tree failure.
BC Arboriculture undertakes assessments of individual trees and larger tree populations, identifying defects, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of tree failure, and providing practical, evidence-based recommendations for risk mitigation and ongoing management.
Our assessments are undertaken using recognised arboricultural risk assessment methodologies and are tailored to the requirements of each site. These services are particularly valuable for schools, commercial properties, public open spaces and organisations responsible for managing significant tree populations.
Aerial Inspection
Aerial Tree Inspections provide detailed assessments of tree canopies and structural features that cannot be adequately inspected from ground level.
BC Arboriculture provides qualified and experienced climbing arborists to undertake close-range inspections of elevated branches, unions, cavities, decay and other structural defects.
These inspections enable a more thorough evaluation of tree health and structural condition, supporting informed risk assessments and providing practical recommendations for tree management and risk mitigation.
Local Government and Urban Forest Consultancy
BC Arboriculture provides specialist arboricultural consultancy and technical support to local government authorities and organisations responsible for the management of urban tree populations.
Our experienced consultants offer flexible support across a range of operational, planning and asset management functions, including statutory planning referrals, tree removal application assessments, contractor and works auditing, tree inspections, and the coordination and oversight of arboricultural maintenance programs.
With extensive experience in local government arboriculture, we deliver practical, evidence-based advice that supports informed decision-making, regulatory compliance and the sustainable management of urban forests.
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Qualifications
Owner and Director of BC Arboriculture, Ben Caruso, is a qualified arborist (AQF Level 8) with significant experience managing the urban forest.
Having worked as a climbing and consulting arborist, municipal tree manager, and industry trainer and assessor, Ben has a well-established industry reputation.
Qualifications include:
- Graduate Certificate of Arboriculture
- Diploma of Arboriculture
- Certificate III of Arboriculture
- Certificate II ESI Powerline Vegetation Control
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
- VALID Tree Risk Assessment Qualification














