As Consultants we can provide our clients with professional advice which include:

Tree Surveys and Reports
Our survey work can be to inspect individual trees or to survey large tree stocks. We use state of the art equipment for our tree survey contracts using specially designed software, data capture units and GPS/GIS technology.

This allows us to efficiently survey any number of trees, provide accurate positioning and digital mapping.

Tree surveys are carried out to meet several different situations such as:

• Assessment and diagnosis of tree health and condition
• Hazard and risk assessment
• Recommendations for required remedial action
• Pre-planning prior to site development

We present the information gathered in report form for clients with proposals for future management and specifications of any work required to industry standard.

Planning Surveys
These are usually carried out prior to development of a site and comply with B.S.5837:2005. Difficulties which may be considered unacceptable to the local planning authority can be identified at this early stage and potential solutions proposed. This can accelerate the process of acquiring consent.

When building is proposed near trees, the planning authority will require a professional tree survey and our reports are tailored to meet the requirements of the local planning department. At the same time, we aim to maximise the development potential of the site while still retaining high amenity trees where desirable and protecting them during construction.

A local authority may request:

• Tree Survey to BS: 5837:2005

The main purpose of this type of survey is to provide information about the trees which are on site or will be affected by the development and to identify which trees could be retained and which could be removed. The report will usually contain a tree schedule with tree heights, crown spread, species, age class, physiological and structural condition, life expectancy, BS 5837 retention category, health, condition, defects and recommendations. Also, a tree Constraints Plan with root protection areas to help show where development can proceed without impacting on amenity trees.

• Arboricultural Impact Assessment

This type of report accompanies the BS: 5837 survey. It examines the effect that proposals will have on retained trees and on the treescape generally. The future growth of the trees and any shading issues are also discussed. We identify potential conflicts and offer solutions early in the planning process.

It is important here not only to identify trees requiring removal and the impact on the remaining trees, roots and soil of the site but also to assess the implications of the continuing growth of relevant trees on the development itself. For example, shading and light levels, the fall of leaves or fruit, and root growth.

• Arboricultural  Method Statement

This type of report advises on how to protect trees during building construction. Once design proposals have been finalised the Local Authority may require an agreed Arboricultural Method Statement to make sure that trees are not damaged by the development.

The report addresses concerns over issues such as installation of services, roads, fencing, land re-grading, storage of hazardous materials, tree pruning, site buildings, machinery, and soil compaction. Adherence to the agreed Arboricultural Method Statement may be a condition of Planning Consent.

It is important that an Arboricultural Method Statement must be both practical and consider the requirements of the developers with those of the planners.

Tree Condition and Health

Risk and Hazard Assessment
There are many ways in which a tree’s condition may become hazardous – branch and stem structural weakness, decay fungi, pests and disease, wind damage and poor pruning history.  

There are many ways of removing the risks associated with hazardous trees and these range from pruning to carrying out routine care. Tree failure, although rare, can be catastrophic, causing death or serious harm to people or property. Owners and managers of land containing trees have a duty to ensure they are in a safe condition. It is advisable that trees are regularly inspected by a professional arboriculturalist with experience and training.  We are experts in assessing potential tree hazards, providing recommendations for reducing the risks which in turn will increase the safety of you and your trees, property and the general public, while reducing your liability as tree owners.

Contact us for more information or to discuss your ideas, we will be happy to make a site visit at no charge and give you a free quotation.