Urban Forestry – Inherent Characteristics of Native Species in the Greater Sydney Area, NSW, Australia is a specialist arboricultural reference book examining the biology, structure, performance, and management of native tree species commonly found throughout Greater Sydney.

This book focuses on the inherent characteristics of native species, including their natural growth habits, root architecture, canopy structure, adaptive growth, timber properties, common defects, branch failure patterns, pest and disease issues, environmental tolerances, and responses to pruning, construction, drought, wind, soil disturbance, and urban development pressures.

Drawing on decades of practical arboricultural experience, the book provides detailed guidance for consulting arborists, local government officers, urban foresters, landscape architects, planners, engineers, students, and tree managers. It explains how native species behave in real urban environments and how their natural characteristics influence tree risk, retention value, long-term performance, and suitability for planting.

Each species profile is designed to assist with tree identification, condition assessment, risk evaluation, development impact assessment, pruning decisions, and urban forest planning. The book also explores broader themes such as tree biomechanics, structural root systems, species failure patterns, soil adaptation, habitat value, climate resilience, biodiversity contribution, and the role of native trees in maintaining the character and ecological function of Greater Sydney.

Particular attention is given to major native genera such as Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora, Melaleuca, Lophostemon, Casuarina, Allocasuarina, Ficus, Acacia, and other important Australian species used in streetscapes, parks, schools, bushland interfaces, development sites, and public open space.

Rather than treating trees as static landscape elements, this book presents them as living biological structures that respond continuously to their environment. It encourages informed decision-making based on species biology, site conditions, structural form, risk context, and long-term urban forest objectives.

Urban Forestry – Inherent Characteristics of Native Species in the Greater Sydney Area is both a practical field reference and an educational resource, supporting safer, healthier, and more resilient urban forests across Sydney and beyond.

Urban Forestry – Exotic Species in the Greater Sydney Area, NSW, Australia

Urban Forestry – Exotic Species in the Greater Sydney Area, NSW, Australia is a comprehensive reference guide to the identification, biology, management, and long-term performance of exotic tree species growing throughout Greater Sydney's urban landscape.

Drawing upon more than four decades of professional arboricultural experience, this book examines the characteristics of many of the region's most significant introduced tree species, explaining how they grow, adapt, respond to environmental pressures, and interact with the built environment. It combines scientific research with practical field observations to provide an authoritative resource for arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, local government officers, planners, engineers, students, and tree managers.

Each species profile explores botanical identification, natural origin, growth characteristics, expected longevity, root system development, structural architecture, common defects, inherent failure patterns, pest and disease issues, pruning responses, risk management considerations, and suitability for urban planting. The book also discusses how different species perform under Greater Sydney's diverse soil landscapes, climate, infrastructure constraints, and development pressures.

Beyond individual species, the book examines broader urban forestry principles, including tree biomechanics, risk assessment, tree protection during development, urban heat mitigation, biodiversity, climate resilience, canopy management, and sustainable urban forest planning. It highlights the important role that well-managed exotic species continue to play in providing shade, environmental benefits, cultural heritage, and landscape character within Australia's cities, while recognising the importance of selecting the right tree for the right location. Urban forestry increasingly focuses on managing the urban tree population as an integrated ecosystem that delivers environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities.

Richly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, case studies, and practical management guidance, Urban Forestry – Exotic Species in the Greater Sydney Area is designed to be both a professional reference and an educational resource. Whether used in the field, office, classroom, or library, it provides readers with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that support safer, healthier, and more sustainable urban forests for future generations.

Urban Forestry – Greater Sydney Area
Volume 1

Urban Forestry – Greater Sydney Area, Volume 1 is a comprehensive reference designed to provide arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, engineers, planners, local government officers, developers, students, and tree managers with a practical and scientifically based understanding of urban tree management within the unique environmental conditions of Greater Sydney.

Drawing on more than forty years of professional experience, this volume examines the principles of arboriculture, tree biology, biomechanics, soils, planning, legislation, risk assessment, and sustainable urban forest management. It combines current research, Australian Standards, industry best practice, and real-world case studies to present practical solutions for managing trees in increasingly complex urban environments.

The book explores the relationship between trees, infrastructure, development, climate change, biodiversity, and public safety, while emphasising the importance of evidence-based decision-making. Readers are guided through the processes of tree inspection, assessment, preservation, protection, and long-term management, with particular reference to the challenges faced throughout the Greater Sydney Region.

Volume 1 establishes the technical foundations for the remaining books in the series, providing readers with a clear understanding of tree biology, urban forestry governance, legislation, planning requirements, and professional assessment methodologies. It serves as both an educational resource and a practical field guide, supporting consistent, defensible, and professional arboricultural practice.

Whether used as a university reference, a professional handbook, or a resource for local government and the development industry, this volume aims to improve the management, protection, and longevity of urban trees while contributing to the creation of healthier, safer, and more resilient cities for future generations.

Urban Tree Management – Greater Sydney Area, Volume 2 is a comprehensive professional reference examining the planning, protection and management of urban forests within one of Australia's most diverse and rapidly developing metropolitan regions. Drawing upon more than forty years of arboricultural experience and contemporary research, the book integrates arboriculture, urban forestry, ecology, engineering, landscape architecture, climate science and planning into a practical, evidence-based resource.

The book explores the critical role of urban trees as essential green infrastructure, addressing topics including climate change adaptation, urban heat island mitigation, biodiversity conservation, species selection, infrastructure conflicts, tree protection during construction, urban soils, tree risk assessment, asset management and long-term canopy planning. Each chapter combines Australian Standards, legislation, international best practice and practical field experience to provide clear guidance for real-world decision-making.

Particular emphasis is placed on developing resilient urban forests capable of meeting the environmental, social and economic challenges facing Greater Sydney. Practical frameworks, management strategies and assessment methodologies are presented to assist practitioners in balancing development with the protection and enhancement of the urban canopy.

Designed as both a technical reference and educational resource, the book includes a comprehensive glossary, extensive bibliography and detailed index to support further study and professional practice. It is intended for consulting arborists, urban foresters, landscape architects, planners, engineers, environmental consultants, local government officers, students and researchers involved in the management of trees and green infrastructure.

Urban Tree Management – Greater Sydney Area, Volume 2 demonstrates that the future resilience and liveability of Australia's cities depend upon informed, science-based urban forest management. It provides the knowledge, practical tools and strategic perspective required to protect, expand and sustainably manage urban tree populations for the benefit of current and future generations.

Trees and Real Estate

Second Edition • 2026

Trees and Real Estate – Second Edition (2026) is a comprehensive guide to the complex relationship between trees, property ownership, planning law, development and real estate in Australia. Fully revised and extensively expanded, this edition reflects the latest legislation, Australian Standards, planning controls and arboricultural best practice, providing practical guidance for everyone involved in the ownership, management and development of land.

Trees can add significant environmental, aesthetic and economic value to a property, but they can also create legal obligations, development constraints and financial liabilities. Understanding these issues before buying, selling, leasing or developing property is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding costly disputes.

This book examines every stage of the property lifecycle, including due diligence before purchasing, tree preservation legislation, development applications, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Tree Protection Plans, tree risk management, hazardous trees, root damage to buildings, neighbour disputes, insurance, biodiversity, heritage trees and long-term asset management.

A major feature of this edition is an extensive review of leading New South Wales Land and Environment Court decisions affecting arboriculture and real estate. These case studies explain how the courts assess duty of care, foreseeable risk, nuisance, expert evidence, tree preservation, development impacts, root damage, property rights and planning law, providing readers with practical insight into the legal principles that govern tree management in Australia.

Written by Mark Bury, AQF Level 5 Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) practitioner and experienced expert witness, the book combines more than three decades of practical arboricultural experience with current scientific research, planning legislation and judicial precedent.

Whether you are a property owner, purchaser, developer, real estate professional, consulting arborist, planner, engineer, solicitor, strata manager, local government officer or student, Trees and Real Estate – Second Edition (2026) provides an authoritative, practical and evidence-based reference for managing trees responsibly while balancing public safety, environmental sustainability and successful property outcomes. It is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in Australia's built and natural environments.

In April 2015, one of the most significant storm events to affect New South Wales in recent decades caused widespread damage across the Central Coast and Sydney Metropolitan Area. Thousands of urban trees failed under the combined effects of destructive winds, intense rainfall and saturated soils, resulting in extensive damage to homes, vehicles, roads, power infrastructure and public open spaces. The event also provided a rare opportunity to study how and why urban trees fail during extreme weather.

Observational Paper of Urban Tree Storm Damage presents a detailed field-based investigation of the storm's impact on the urban forest. Drawing on extensive site inspections undertaken immediately after the event, Mark Bury and Russell Kingdom document patterns of tree failure, species performance, structural defects, root plate failures, branch failures, stem failures and the influence of soil conditions, previous management and construction activities on tree stability.

Rather than focusing solely on individual tree failures, the paper examines the interaction between tree biology, biomechanics, site conditions and weather extremes, providing valuable insights into the factors that contribute to storm-related failures in Australia's urban environments. The observations are supported by contemporary arboricultural principles, engineering concepts and recognised risk assessment methodologies.

The publication discusses common failure mechanisms, including root plate overturning, basal stem failure, included bark, decay, canopy asymmetry, co-dominant stems, soil saturation, wind loading and infrastructure conflicts. Lessons learned from the event are translated into practical recommendations for consulting arborists, local government, asset managers, engineers, planners, emergency services and utility providers responsible for managing urban trees.

More than a historical record of a significant natural disaster, this observational paper contributes to the ongoing understanding of urban tree biomechanics, storm resilience and risk management. It highlights the importance of proactive inspection programmes, evidence-based tree assessment and informed decision-making to improve public safety while retaining the many environmental, ecological and social benefits that mature trees provide.

This publication is an important reference for arborists, urban foresters, researchers, students, councils and professionals involved in the planning, management and preservation of Australia's urban forest.

Urban Tree Management in the Greater Sydney Area – Book 3 is a comprehensive professional reference that examines the science, practice, and management of urban trees within one of Australia's most complex and diverse metropolitan landscapes. Written specifically for Australian conditions, the book integrates contemporary arboricultural research with practical field experience to provide an evidence-based guide for consulting arborists, local government officers, landscape architects, planners, engineers, environmental consultants, students, and tree managers.

Drawing upon current Australian Standards, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), and recognised scientific methodology, the book explores every stage of professional tree assessment and management. Topics include urban forestry, soil science, tree biology and biomechanics, root systems, tree inspection, risk assessment, site assessment, target assessment, construction impacts, tree protection during development, bushfire considerations, climate resilience, and risk mitigation.

A particular emphasis is placed on the Greater Sydney region, examining how local geology, soils, climate, biodiversity, planning legislation, and development pressures influence the long-term management of the urban forest. The text demonstrates how scientific principles can be applied to real-world decision-making while meeting the expectations of councils, developers, infrastructure authorities, and the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Richly illustrated and supported by extensive glossaries, references, practical examples, and technical guidance, this volume bridges the gap between academic research and everyday arboricultural practice. Whether assessing an individual tree, managing a large municipal tree population, or providing expert evidence in legal proceedings, readers will find practical methodologies grounded in internationally recognised standards and decades of professional experience.

Combining science, engineering, ecology, and risk management, Urban Tree Management in the Greater Sydney Area – Book 3 serves as an authoritative reference for anyone involved in the assessment, protection, and sustainable management of urban trees in Australia.

Tree Root Orders and Their Significance in Urban Tree Management in the Greater Sydney Area is a comprehensive professional reference that explores the hidden architecture of tree root systems and their fundamental role in modern arboriculture. While the visible crown often receives the greatest attention, this book demonstrates that successful tree management depends upon understanding the complex hierarchy of root orders beneath the soil surface and the specialised structural and physiological functions performed by each.

Beginning with the root crown and progressing through the first-, second-, third- and higher-order roots to the fine absorbing roots, root hairs and mycorrhizal associations, the book explains how each component contributes to tree stability, water and nutrient uptake, carbohydrate storage, defence mechanisms and long-term vitality. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationship between root architecture and biomechanics, illustrating how different root orders collectively resist wind loading, support the canopy and maintain whole-tree stability.

The text bridges scientific research and practical application by examining how root order knowledge influences development assessment, excavation, utility installation, retaining walls, basement construction, roadworks and landscape design. It provides detailed guidance on applying Australian Standard AS 4970–2025 Protection of Trees on Development Sites, AS 4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees, and contemporary International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices within the diverse geological and environmental conditions of the Greater Sydney Area, including Hawkesbury Sandstone, Wianamatta Shale and the Cumberland Plain.

Written for consulting arborists, local government officers, planners, engineers, landscape architects, developers, contractors, students and expert witnesses, this book combines current scientific knowledge with practical arboricultural experience to support evidence-based decision-making. Through detailed explanations of root biology, biomechanics, tree protection and construction management, it provides readers with the knowledge required to minimise root damage, improve tree retention outcomes and promote sustainable urban development.

Tree Root Orders and Their Significance in Urban Tree Management in the Greater Sydney Area is an essential resource for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the unseen foundation of trees and the critical role that root systems play in preserving the health, stability and longevity of Greater Sydney's urban forest.