Product Overview

Summary: This Root System Protection Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for identifying, protecting and working around tree root zones on Australian sites. It helps organisations safeguard workers, prevent costly damage to vegetation and underground services, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS and environmental obligations.

Root systems are often out of sight and out of mind, yet they are critical to tree stability, public safety and the long‑term success of civil and landscaping projects. Uncontrolled excavation, compaction and service installation can undermine root structures, leading to tree failure, damage to underground services, and serious safety incidents. This Root System Protection Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step method for assessing tree protection zones, planning works around roots, and implementing practical on‑site controls that protect both workers and assets.

Developed for Australian conditions, this SOP helps businesses integrate arboricultural best practice with WHS requirements across construction, civil works, utilities and landscaping activities. It addresses common issues such as machinery exclusion zones, non‑destructive digging, managing exposed roots, and coordinating with qualified arborists. By adopting this procedure, organisations can reduce the risk of tree collapse, trench failures and underground service strikes, minimise project delays from tree damage disputes, and provide clear evidence of due diligence to clients, regulators and local councils.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of tree instability and failure by applying consistent root protection practices on every job.
• Ensure compliance with WHS duties, local council tree protection requirements and environmental approvals.
• Minimise service disruptions and repair costs by preventing damage to underground utilities located within root zones.
• Improve planning and coordination between supervisors, plant operators and arborists through a clear, shared procedure.
• Demonstrate due diligence and best practice to clients, auditors and regulators with documented, repeatable processes.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Civil Construction Managers
• Landscaping Supervisors
• Arborists and Consulting Arborists
• Project Managers
• Local Government Parks and Gardens Coordinators
• Utility Installation Supervisors
• Environmental and Sustainability Officers
• WHS Managers
• Grounds Maintenance Team Leaders

Hazards Addressed

• Tree instability and failure due to root damage, leading to impact injuries or property damage
• Struck-by incidents from falling branches or whole-tree collapse following root system compromise
• Excavation and trench collapse in areas of disturbed or heavily rooted soil
• Underground service strikes (gas, electricity, water, communications) within root zones
• Plant and vehicle incidents in congested work areas around protected trees
• Manual handling injuries associated with inappropriate handling of root balls and large root sections
• Slip, trip and fall hazards created by exposed or cut roots in pedestrian or work zones
• Environmental and biosecurity risks from improper removal or disposal of root material

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Root Protection Zone, Structural Root Zone, Critical Root Zone)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Council Requirements
• 5.0 Pre-Start Planning and Site Assessment
• 6.0 Identification and Marking of Tree Protection Zones
• 7.0 Control Measures for Machinery and Vehicle Exclusion
• 8.0 Excavation and Trenching Near Root Systems
• 9.0 Use of Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) and Hand Excavation
• 10.0 Managing Exposed Roots and Pruning Requirements
• 11.0 Protection from Soil Compaction, Contamination and Level Changes
• 12.0 Working Around Underground Services within Root Zones
• 13.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 14.0 Communication, Signage and Site Induction Requirements
• 15.0 Environmental and Waste Management for Root and Soil Material
• 16.0 Emergency Procedures (Tree Failure, Service Strikes, Ground Collapse)
• 17.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Training, Competency and Consultation with Arborists
• 19.0 Documentation, Records and Audit Trail
• 20.0 Review and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Excavation Work Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS 4970-2009: Protection of trees on development sites
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• AS 1742: Manual of uniform traffic control devices (for site and exclusion zone signage)
• Local council tree protection policies and development control plans (varies by jurisdiction)