Arborflow student learning

Your arboriculture study desk.

Open a calculator, follow the working, or find trusted study links for your qualification.

Featured method V × B × E × FV × L

Revised Burnley tree valuation

Working tools

Choose a calculator

1

Measure carefullyKeep units consistent and record where measurements came from.

2

Follow the workingEach calculator shows the formula and intermediate steps.

3

Check the sourceUse your learner guide, the current Standard and professional judgement.

Important information

Educational Use Disclaimer

The information, calculators and tools provided in the Arborflow Student Resource Hub are intended for educational and training purposes only. While reasonable care is taken to keep all content accurate and up to date, Arborflow Holistic Tree Consulting does not guarantee that results are complete, error-free or suitable for any particular site, project or professional decision. Users are responsible for checking calculations, current legislation, Australian Standards and site-specific requirements before relying on any information provided. Arborflow Holistic Tree Consulting accepts no liability for loss, damage or consequences arising from the use or reliance on these resources, to the extent permitted by law. Nothing in this disclaimer excludes any rights or guarantees that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.

Calculators and interpreters

Tools that show their working.

Inputs are not saved. Results are learning aids and do not replace a site assessment, current Standard or qualified advice.

Revised Burnley Method

Tree valuation calculator

Value = V × B × E × FV × L

1Measure the canopy

Canopy spread 1 m Canopy spread 2 m Crown depth mVertical depth from the base of the living crown to its top.

2Enter value and factors

Base value $/m³ Useful life expectancy / E Form & vigour / FV Location / L

Calculate the base value from three nurseries

Use comparable specimens larger than 1 m³ from at least three different nurseries. Each specimen is modelled as a cone; the calculator averages the three $/m³ rates.

Nursery specimen 1 Nursery name Retail price $ Canopy diameter m Canopy depth m

Nursery specimen 2 Nursery name Retail price $ Canopy diameter m Canopy depth m

Nursery specimen 3 Nursery name Retail price $ Canopy diameter m Canopy depth m

Complete all three nursery specimens.

For educational use only. Always verify results against current standards, legislation and site-specific requirements.

r

Radius

Half the canopy diameter. A 10 m diameter has a 5 m radius.

r²

Radius squared

Radius multiplied by itself—not radius × 2. For 5 m: 5 × 5 = 25 m².

V

Canopy volume

The canopy is modelled as a cone: (π × r² × crown depth) ÷ 3.

E

ULE factor

The proportion retained for the tree’s expected useful life.

FV

Form and vigour

An adjustment for the tree’s structural form and growing condition.

L

Location

An adjustment for the tree’s suitability and contribution in its setting.

Worked-example check

10 m diameter and 12 m crown depth gives 314.1593 m³. At $400/m³ with E 0.70, FV 0.80 and L 0.90, the final value is $63,334.51 (about $63,335). Calculations use full π precision and round only for display.

AS 4970:2025 + Amendment 1:2025 learning aid

Notional and structural root zones

NRZ = DSH × 12

2025 terminology matters.

This tool calculates the Notional Root Zone (NRZ) and Structural Root Zone (SRZ). Under AS 4970:2025, the project Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is determined by the project arborist; it is not automatically identical to the NRZ.

For educational use only. Always verify results against current standards, legislation and site-specific requirements.

NRZ encroachment

Calculate the affected percentage

Enter the NRZ radius and the total affected area measured from the plan, including proposed work and any known recent encroachments. The category is a screening guide; a project arborist must assess the actual roots, design and tree response.

Field and assignment maths

Arborist maths toolbox

Tree and branch sections

Trunk and branch mass estimator

Mass = volume × density

Estimate only — not a rigging or lifting plan.

Actual mass varies with moisture, bark, cavities, decay, inclusions and irregular form. Never use this result alone to select rigging equipment, anchors, cranes or working-load limits. Apply qualified judgement, current manufacturer limits and a site-specific safety assessment.

1Choose the section shape Section type Section model Use two end diameters for approximately linear taper, or a measured midpoint diameter for Huber’s method. Split irregular sections into shorter lengths.

Large-end diameter cm Measured length along the section m Identical sections qty

2Select a density Species preset Presets use published unseasoned timber density—not a measurement of the actual standing tree. Density kg/m³Choose “Custom density” to enter a verified value for another species or condition.

For educational use only. Always verify results against current standards, legislation and site-specific requirements.

Section totals

Add each non-overlapping wood section once. Trunks and branches use the same volume × density relationship; their measured shape determines the volume method.

Entered wood sections
Section	Method	Volume (m³)	Mass (kg)	Action

No sections added.

Totals cover entered wood only. They exclude foliage, roots and unmeasured branches. Do not count a shared stem twice.

Published methods

Two-end conic volume: V = πL(D² + Dd + d²) ÷ 12. Huber’s volume: V = πL Dmid² ÷ 4. Uniform cylinder: V = πL D² ÷ 4. Diameters in metres; length in metres; volume in m³. Mass (kg) = volume (m³) × green density (kg/m³).

Waddell, D.R., Lambert, M.B. and Pong, W.Y. (1984), Estimating tree bole and log weights from green densities measured with the Bergstrom Xylodensimeter, includes the two-end conic rule. Waddell, D.R. (1989), Estimating load weights with Huber’s Cubic Volume formula: a field trial, evaluates volume × green density against weighed loads. These log studies do not establish accuracy for every living branch or species.

Bark and irregular form can change the result. Use a density compatible with the material measured. Green/unseasoned density is different from dry timber density or basic density.

Density sources and limits

The preset values are WoodSolutions “unseasoned density per Standard” figures for Blackbutt, Tallowwood, Brush box, Forest red gum and Red bloodwood. A whole-tree estimate requires separate, defensible models for stem, branches and other components; this calculator estimates measured wood sections only.

Course-focused study

Choose your pathway.

Each pathway brings the most useful topics, tools and safety reminders together. Always follow your own unit requirements and trainer instructions.

Ready to enrol? The course buttons below open RelyOn Australia’s official course pages in a new tab. RelyOn manages course dates, fees, entry requirements and enrolment.

FWP20122

Certificate II in Forest Operations

Build safe field habits and a practical foundation in trees, forest operations and environmental care.

Focus areas

Plant and weed identification
Basic tree measurement and field notes
Chainsaw and equipment safety
Soils, site conditions and environmental protection

AHC30722

Certificate III in Horticulture

Build practical skills in plant identification, plant health, soils, propagation, nutrition and sustainable horticultural work.

Focus areas

Plant identification and growth requirements
Soil, turf and plant nutrition
Pests, diseases, weeds and biosecurity
Propagation, establishment and workplace safety

UET20321

Certificate II in ESI – Powerline Vegetation Control

Keep electrical hazards, authorisation, work zones and communication at the centre of every task.

Focus areas

Identify voltage and network hazards
Apply Queensland exclusion-zone requirements
Pre-start planning and emergency response
Vegetation-control methods and safe work positions

Never estimate an exclusion zone from memory.Confirm the line, voltage, worker competency and current network requirements before work.

AHC30824

Certificate III in Arboriculture

Connect safe practical tree work with sound pruning, tree biology, identification and job planning.

Focus areas

Climbing, knots, rescue and rigging
Pruning to AS 4373
Tree identification, pests and disorders
Chainsaw, chipper, EWP and ground operations

AHC50524

Diploma of Arboriculture

Develop evidence-based assessments, calculations, specifications and professional arboricultural reports.

Focus areas

Tree assessment and report writing
AS 4970 development-site protection
Tree valuation, soil and plant science
Mapping, legislation, research and Harvard referencing

Curated student toolbox

Student resources.

Start with Arborflow's carefully selected tools, references and guides. Open Additional Resources when you need to explore further.

0resources shown

View resources

Search resources Category Pathway

External sites can change. Check publication dates, authorship and whether the source is suitable for your assessment before relying on it.

Tree report glossary

Understand the language in a tree report.

Search common arboricultural terms and open an entry for a plain-English explanation of what it means and why it matters.

0terms shown

Search terms Topic

Standards finder

Know which Standard does what.

Use the edition required by your assessment or workplace, and check the official catalogue for amendments or replacement editions.

Harvard example

Referencing an Australian Standard

Reference list

Standards Australia 2025, AS 4970:2025 Protection of trees on development sites, Standards Australia, Sydney.

In-text citation

(Standards Australia 2025)

Your arboriculture study desk.

Choose a calculator

Educational Use Disclaimer

Tools that show their working.

Tree valuation calculator

Radius

Radius squared

Canopy volume

ULE factor

Form and vigour

Location

Notional and structural root zones

Calculate the affected percentage

Arborist maths toolbox

Diameter and circumference

Canopy cone volume

Slope

Trunk and branch mass estimator

Section totals

Published methods

Start with pH, then read the test method.

EC

CEC

Texture and structure

Choose your pathway.

Certificate II in Forest Operations

Focus areas

Certificate III in Horticulture

Focus areas

Certificate II in ESI – Powerline Vegetation Control

Focus areas

Certificate III in Arboriculture

Focus areas

Diploma of Arboriculture

Focus areas

Student resources.

Understand the language in a tree report.

Know which Standard does what.

Referencing an Australian Standard