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Arborist Report vs. Site Inspection: Which Do You Need?
Two different services, two different points in a project. Here is how to tell them apart and which one applies to your situation.
Quick Answer
- Arborist Report
- Required before starting work or applying for a permit. Prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist; submitted to the municipality with your application.
- Site Inspection
- Used during or after construction for compliance monitoring. The arborist visits the site to verify that tree protection measures are in place and conditions are being met.
What Is an Arborist Report?
An arborist report is a written document prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist that assesses the trees on or near your property. It is the document your municipality requires before issuing a permit for tree removal, construction near trees, or other regulated work.
The report includes a tree inventory, condition and location ratings, site plans, photographs, a recommendation, and a replanting or protection plan depending on what the work involves. It is submitted as part of your permit application, before any work begins.
There are several types of arborist reports depending on the purpose: a tree removal report supports a removal permit, a construction arborist report supports a building or development permit, and a stop work order clearance report addresses a city-issued stop work order.
What Is an Arborist Site Inspection?
A site inspection is an on-site visit by an arborist to verify compliance with tree protection requirements during or after construction. The arborist checks that fencing, root protection zones, and other measures specified in the arborist report are in place and being maintained.
Inspections may be required at specific milestones: before excavation begins, after foundation work, or at intervals during a longer project. The arborist issues a written certification noting what was observed and whether conditions are being met.
Site inspections can also be used outside of construction contexts: a property owner might request an inspection to document tree condition at a point in time, or a contractor might need written confirmation that protection is in place before proceeding with adjacent work.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Arborist Report | Site Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| When needed | Before permit application | During or after construction |
| Output | Written report with inventory, site plan, protection plan | Inspection notes and written certification |
| Required by | Municipality for permit approval | City inspector, permit conditions, or contractor |
| Typical cost | From $250 (tree removal); from $550 (construction) | Varies by site and frequency |
Common Scenarios
I need to remove a tree from my backyard
You need an arborist report for tree removal. This goes to the city with your permit application before any tree is touched.
My contractor is building near a tree
You likely need both: a construction arborist report before the building permit is issued, then ongoing site inspections at intervals required by your permit conditions.
The city issued a stop work order
You need a stop work order clearance: a site inspection and a written report documenting current tree condition and what remedial actions have been taken to satisfy the city's requirements.
I need to confirm tree protection fencing is in place
You need a site inspection. The arborist visits, verifies the fencing and exclusion zones meet the required specifications, and issues written certification confirming compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need an arborist report or a site inspection for a tree removal permit?
- You need an arborist report. Tree removal permit applications require a written report from an ISA Certified Arborist prepared before you submit your permit application. Site inspections are used during or after construction for compliance purposes, not for initial permit applications.
- Can one company do both the report and the inspection?
- Yes. Most arborist firms that prepare construction reports also perform the ongoing site inspections required during construction. Having the same firm do both is efficient: they already know the site, the protection plan, and what the municipality expects.
- How often are site inspections needed during construction?
- Inspection frequency depends on your municipality and the specific conditions of your permit. Some projects require inspections at key construction milestones (e.g., before excavation, after foundation work). Others require periodic scheduled visits. Your arborist report will typically specify the inspection schedule required.
- What is the difference between a construction arborist report and a tree protection plan?
- A construction arborist report is the full document: it includes a tree inventory, condition assessments, and a tree protection plan as one of its components. A tree protection plan is a subset of the construction arborist report that specifically outlines the protection measures, exclusion zones, and monitoring requirements. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but technically the tree protection plan is part of the larger report.
Related Resources
How Much Does an Arborist Report Cost?
Pricing breakdown for all report types in Toronto and the GTA.
Read the guide →Tree Removal Reports
Municipal-ready arborist reports for tree removal permit applications.
Learn more →Construction Arborist Reports
Tree inventory and protection plans for development permits.
Learn more →Site Inspections
Compliance inspections during and after construction.
Learn more →Request a quote
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