Trees are beautiful.
But trees can ruin a proposed development too!
Trees on your land can come under scrutiny by Councils when applying for a Town Planning Permit.
Trees on neighbours land or on the nature strip are bigger issues as both these type of trees do not belong to you, the developer!
Trees have root systems. They can spread way into your property.
An Arborist will examine the trees and advise how far their roots spread. You can encroach 10% of the roots spread known as Tree Protection Zone (TPZ).
However the Arborist will also advise on the Structural Root Zone (SRZ) which is critical for the well being of a tree. The SRZ is smaller and cannot be encroached.
Next time you look for a development site pay special attention to vegetation!