When a development approval protects trees on or near a building site, the tree protection zone (TPZ) usually has to be fenced off and signed. Councils and arborists check these signs during inspections, and a missing or damaged TPZ sign can lead to stop-work notices or fines. This guide explains what tree protection signs are for and which ones builders and landscapers use.
Tree protection on development sites commonly follows Australian Standard AS 4970 (Protection of trees on development sites), and your development consent and arborist's report set the specific conditions. This guide is general information. Always follow your consent conditions and your project arborist's advice.
What is a tree protection zone?
A tree protection zone is the area around a tree's trunk and roots that needs protecting during construction. Inside it, things like excavation, storing materials, parking vehicles and changing soil levels are usually not allowed without the arborist's approval. Fencing keeps people out, and signs on the fence tell them why.
Tree protection zone signs
- Tree protection zone: no entry and Series 2
- Tree protection zone: keep out
- Tree protection zone: no storage of materials or vehicle access
- Tree protection zone: no excavation
- Tree protection fence: do not remove
Signs with your project details
Many consents and arborist reports ask for the sign to show contact details, so anyone with a question knows who to call:
- Tree protection zone with your DA number and contact
- Tree protection zone with your arborist’s phone number
- Tree protection area: no access, with your tree number: match the numbering in the arborist's report.
Protected trees outside building sites
- Protected tree: do not cut, prune or damage
- Protected tree: council approval required to prune or remove
- Caution: beware of falling tree limbs for parks, car parks and campgrounds.
Where to put TPZ signs
- On every side of the protection fence, facing the work area.
- At regular intervals along long fences, so they can be seen from anywhere on site.
- Where the fence is closest to access roads, stockpiles and site sheds.
Material tips
Corflute with eyelets cable-ties easily to temporary fence panels and is the usual choice. For long projects, ACP lasts longer. See our finishing options guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many TPZ signs do I need?
That depends on your consent and the fence length. Check your arborist's report. Buying 25 or more of the same sign saves an extra 5%, 50+ saves 10% and 150+ saves 15%.
How fast can I get them before work starts?
Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days. See our construction site signs by state guide for the other signs needed before work begins.
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.