Product Overview

Summary: This Environmental Protection in Arboriculture SOP sets out clear, practical steps for managing tree work in a way that protects soil, waterways, wildlife and surrounding assets. It helps arboricultural businesses meet their WHS and environmental due diligence obligations while delivering safe, compliant and environmentally responsible services across Australian worksites.

Tree work occurs at the interface between people, infrastructure and the natural environment, and poor practices can quickly result in soil degradation, water pollution, habitat loss and regulatory non-compliance. This Environmental Protection in Arboriculture Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to planning and carrying out arboricultural activities so they minimise environmental harm while maintaining high standards of safety and productivity. It covers the full lifecycle of a job, from pre‑site environmental assessment and tree protection planning through to waste handling, chemical use, noise and dust control, and post‑works rehabilitation.

Designed specifically for Australian conditions, this SOP helps businesses demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws and environmental legislation by embedding environmental controls directly into day‑to‑day work practices. It gives supervisors and crews a clear, consistent framework for managing risks such as contamination of stormwater, damage to tree root zones from machinery, disturbance of fauna habitat, and incorrect disposal of green and contaminated waste. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce complaints and enforcement actions, protect their reputation with clients and regulators, and support longer‑term sustainability outcomes in urban and rural landscapes.

Key Benefits

• Ensure arboricultural works are planned and executed to minimise soil, water and habitat impacts.
• Reduce the risk of environmental incidents, complaints and regulatory penalties associated with tree work.
• Demonstrate due diligence and alignment with WHS and environmental obligations in tenders and audits.
• Standardise environmental controls across crews, improving consistency and quality of on‑site practices.
• Support long‑term tree health and urban forest outcomes by protecting root zones and surrounding ecosystems.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Consulting Arborists
• Tree Crew Leaders
• Ground Crew Members
• WHS Managers
• Environmental Advisors
• Local Government Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Urban Forest Managers
• Landscape Maintenance Managers
• Construction Project Managers (with tree protection requirements)
• Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Soil compaction and root zone damage from machinery and vehicle access
• Sediment runoff into stormwater systems, creeks and waterways
• Chemical contamination from fuels, lubricants, herbicides and cleaning agents
• Improper disposal of green waste, contaminated waste and timber
• Disturbance or harm to native fauna, nesting birds and habitat features
• Damage to retained trees and vegetation outside the immediate work area
• Noise and dust impacts on neighbouring properties and sensitive receptors
• Introduction or spread of weeds and plant pathogens via equipment and soil movement
• Fire risk from hot works, equipment and unmanaged debris in bushfire‑prone areas
• Manual handling and ergonomic risks associated with environmentally protective work methods (e.g. barriers, mats, bunding)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Environmental Concepts
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Start Environmental Assessment and Planning
• 5.0 Tree Protection Zones and Root Zone Management
• 6.0 Machinery, Vehicle Access and Soil Protection Controls
• 7.0 Sediment, Erosion and Stormwater Management
• 8.0 Chemical Use, Storage, Refuelling and Spill Response
• 9.0 Wildlife, Habitat and Sensitive Area Protection
• 10.0 Noise, Dust and Neighbour Amenity Management
• 11.0 Green Waste, Timber and Contaminated Waste Handling
• 12.0 Weed, Pest and Pathogen Hygiene Controls (Biosecurity)
• 13.0 Emergency and Incident Response (Environmental and WHS)
• 14.0 Monitoring, Inspection, Recordkeeping and Reporting
• 15.0 Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 References, Legislation and Supporting Documents

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
• State and Territory environment protection legislation and local council tree protection policies
• AS 4970-2009: Protection of trees on development sites
• AS 4373-2007: Pruning of amenity trees
• AS/NZS 14001: Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice
• Relevant state/territory codes of practice for managing the risk of chemicals and hazardous substances