Useful Scientific Research and Other Resources for
Australian Arborists and Tree Workers

We have done the job for you. We have gathered a wealth of scientific research, all in one place. Simply click the links below and you will find a world of knowledge and science at your fingertips.

  • These standards can all be found here https://www.standards.org.au

    Please note this is not the full list of Australian Standards for our industry. It is your responsibility to make sure you comply with all the latest industry standards.

    1. AS 4373: 2007 – Pruning of Amenity Trees- This standard provides guidelines for the safe and effective pruning of trees, especially in urban and amenity settings. It covers methods and techniques for pruning, as well as the management of tree health and safety.

    2. AS 4970: 2009 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites- This standard specifically addresses the protection of trees during development or construction activities. It's critical for ensuring that trees are properly managed and preserved when construction or other projects are happening nearby, helping to mitigate damage and maintain tree health.

    3. AS 2303: 2018 – Tree Stock for landscape use- This standard focuses on the selection and planting of trees in urban environments, addressing tree species selection, soil conditions, and considerations for long-term tree management.

    4. AS 4419: 2018 – Soils for Landscaping and Garden Use- This standard covers the requirements for soils used in landscaping, garden beds, and planting areas, which is important when preparing tree planting sites or protecting soil during construction.

    5. AS 4454: 2012 – Composts, Soil Conditioners, and Mulches- This standard governs the quality and composition of composts and mulches, which are often used in tree planting or soil restoration around trees.

    6. AS/NZS 4602 – Personal Protection Equipment- This standard covers personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, which are crucial for the safety of arborists, particularly for climbing, cutting, or working in dangerous environments.

    7. SA HB 214:2023 Urban Green Infrastructure – Planning and decision framework- Provides a comprehensive guide for planning, implementing, and managing green infrastructure in urban environments, offering strategies to integrate trees, vegetation, and green spaces into urban development to enhance sustainability, resilience, and quality of life.

  • There are several online platforms where you can access academic articles, technical papers, and industry reports relevant to arboriculture research.

    1. Trove (National Library of Australia)

    Trove is used for accessing a vast array of Australian research materials, including journal articles, theses, reports, and publications on arboriculture, urban forestry, and tree management. It aggregates content from libraries, universities, and government sources.

    • Access: Free to search and read many documents

    • Content: Includes research papers, government reports, and academic theses related to urban tree management, tree health, and environmental sustainability.

    • Website: Trove - National Library of Australia

    2. Google Scholar

    Google Scholar is a free search engine for scholarly articles across a broad range of disciplines, including arboriculture, urban forestry, and environmental science. It indexes articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents from various academic publishers.

    • Access: Free to use; most articles linked here are available as open-access or through direct author uploads.

    • Content: Includes a wide range of scholarly articles, theses, and reports related to urban trees, forestry management, tree health, and sustainability practices.

    • Key Feature: Google Scholar often links to free PDFs when available or provides access to authors' full-text versions.

    • Website: Google Scholar

    3. ResearchGate

    ResearchGate is a free-to-use platform where researchers upload their publications, collaborate, and share academic knowledge. While the full-text of many articles is freely available, some articles may require a request to the author for access.

    • Access: Free to sign up and use; many articles are available directly, especially those uploaded by authors.

    • Content: Includes a large range of research papers on arboriculture, urban tree management, and environmental impact studies. Many authors also upload their work to share openly with the community.

    • Request Feature: If a paper is behind a paywall, you can often request a free copy directly from the author through the platform.

    • Website: ResearchGate

    4. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

    The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment publishes numerous free reports and studies related to environmental management, urban forestry, tree health, and the role of trees in climate change mitigation.

    • Access: Free access to government reports and guidelines

    • Content: Covers topics like tree health management, urban greening, and carbon sequestration.

    • Website: Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

    5. Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)

    ABARES provides free research papers and reports on urban forestry, land management, and the role of trees in environmental conservation in Australia. They often focus on the economic and environmental value of trees and green spaces.

    • Access: Free research papers, policy briefs, and reports

    • Content: Topics include urban forest strategy, climate adaptation, and the economic benefits of trees.

    • Website: ABARES Research

    6. University Research and Theses (Open Access)

    Many Australian universities offer open access to graduate theses, dissertations, and research reports, some of which focus specifically on arboriculture, urban forestry, and tree management.

    • Access: Free to download and read

    • Content: Includes graduate research, case studies, and innovative research on urban trees and their management in Australian cities.

    • Examples: University of Melbourne, Australian National University, and University of Sydney offer open access repositories.

    • Examples of University Repositories:

      University of Melbourne Repository

      Australian National University Open Research

      University of Sydney Digital Theses

    7. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening (Australia)

    A peer-reviewed journal that primarily publishes academic articles on the benefits of urban green spaces, including ecological, social, and economic impacts. It is not freely accessible to the public, as it typically requires a subscription or institutional access through platforms like Elsevier or university libraries. However, some articles may be available via open access or as preprints depending on the authors' preferences or funding mandates.

    • Access:
      Subscription Required: Most articles are behind a paywall and require a subscription through Elsevier or institutional access (e.g., university libraries).
      Open Access Option: Some articles are published as open access and can be freely downloaded.

    • Content:
      Focus on urban green spaces' ecological, social, and economic benefits.
      Topics include urban forestry management, biodiversity, sustainability, and public health impacts.

    • Audience: Researchers, policymakers, urban planners, and environmental professionals.

    • Website: Hosted by Elsevier, accessible at Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.

  • 1. ScienceDirect

    ScienceDirect offers a wide range of academic articles, including research on tree biology, urban forestry, and environmental science. While some content is free, many papers and journals require a subscription or one-time purchase.

    • Access: Paid access for full-text articles

    • Content: Includes peer-reviewed research on tree health, pest management, tree selection, and urban tree canopies.

    • Website: ScienceDirect

    2. JSTOR

    JSTOR is a comprehensive digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources. While some articles on arboriculture and environmental management are available for free, full access typically requires a subscription or purchase.

    • Access: Paid subscription required for full access

    • Content: Includes high-quality academic papers and case studies related to the scientific aspects of arboriculture and urban forestry.

    • Website: JSTOR

    3. SpringerLink

    SpringerLink offers a large collection of peer-reviewed articles, books, and research papers, many of which are behind a paywall. Topics include tree physiology, ecosystem services of trees, and urban forestry practices.

    • Access: Paid access for most articles

    • Content: Includes comprehensive research articles and books on tree science and urban ecology.

    • Website: SpringerLink

    4. Wiley Online Library

    Wiley offers research articles, journals, and books related to environmental science, including the role of trees in urban landscapes, pest management, and forestry science. Most content requires a paid subscription or individual article purchase.

    • Access: Paid access for full articles

    • Content: Peer-reviewed articles on urban forest management, tree care practices, and arboricultural science.

    • Website: Wiley Online Library

    5. CSIRO Publishing

    CSIRO Publishing offers books and journals related to forestry, environmental sciences, and tree management. Many of their publications are behind a paywall, although some open-access options are available.

    • Access: Paid access for most books and journal articles

    • Content: Includes research and practical guides on forestry, tree diseases, and tree management in Australian landscapes.

    • Website: CSIRO Publishing