ArborCAD Reviews, Pricing, Features & Alternatives in 2026
ArborCAD is a specialized CAD software designed for arborists to create professional, scale-accurate tree survey plans and reports while automating critical protection zone calculations and data management.
ArborCAD is a specialized design tool built specifically for arborists and tree consultants who need to produce professional, scale-accurate survey plans. Instead of struggling with generic drafting tools, you get a system that understands arboricultural data, allowing you to plot trees quickly and generate comprehensive reports automatically. You can import site surveys, define tree species, and visualize critical data points directly on your plan without manual drafting.
The software simplifies the complex task of calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ) by automating these measurements based on your input data. You can manage large-scale projects with ease, ensuring all your documentation meets local regulatory standards. It functions as an add-on to the PowerCADD engine, providing a familiar yet highly optimized environment for your specialized consulting needs.
Screenshots & Interface
Key Features
Stop wasting hours on manual calculations and repetitive drafting. ArborCAD provides a suite of automated tools that handle the technical heavy lifting so you can focus on your expert tree assessments.
Automated TPZ/SRZ Calculation
Calculate and draw Tree Protection Zones and Structural Root Zones instantly based on your trunk diameter measurements.
Tree Survey Plotting
Place tree symbols on your plans quickly using a dedicated toolset that stores species and health data.
Automatic Report Generation
Export your survey data directly into professional reports, saving you from manual data entry and transcription errors.
Scale-Accurate Drafting
Create precise, professional-grade plans that you can share with architects, developers, and local planning authorities.
Species Database Integration
Access and manage a comprehensive list of tree species to ensure consistent naming and data across all projects.
DXF/DWG Compatibility
Import site surveys from land surveyors and export your finished plans to work with other industry-standard CAD formats.
Integrations
PowerCADD
Microsoft Excel
Pricing Plans
ArborCAD is typically sold as a perpetual license, meaning you own the software after purchase. You can choose between full new licenses or upgrade paths if you are moving from an older version. Because it requires a base CAD engine, you should contact the team to ensure you have the correct configuration for your operating system.
Pros & Cons
Based on the specialized nature of this tool and its long-standing presence in the Australian arboricultural market, here is what you can expect from the workflow:
Pros
Significant time savings on calculating tree protection zones
Produces professional plans that meet local government standards
Eliminates manual data entry between plans and reports
Specifically designed for arborist workflows rather than generic CAD
Cons
Requires a separate base CAD engine to operate
Limited to specific operating systems (primarily macOS)
Higher initial cost compared to basic drawing tools
Who Should Use ArborCAD?
Ideal for professional arborists and tree consultants in Australia and New Zealand who need to produce regulatory-compliant survey reports.
Best for Company Sizes
solopreneur
small-business
Popular Industries
Environmental Services
Construction
Government
Our Verdict
ArborCAD is a highly recommended investment if you are a professional arborist spending significant time manually drawing TPZ circles and typing up survey tables. It bridges the gap between field data and professional CAD output, ensuring your reports are both accurate and visually impressive to clients and regulators.
While the requirement for a base CAD engine adds to the initial setup, the efficiency gains in report generation usually pay for the software within a few projects. Consider this if you want to modernize your consulting practice and move away from hand-drawn or basic digital sketches.
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