Tree surveys are detailed reports concerning the condition and status of trees on your properties. Users of such services include everyone from homeowners to universities.
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Who Carries Out Tree Surveys?
Certified tree surgeons and arborists carry out tree surveys according to UK standard BS5837. This regulation describes the information they must collect about each tree in your care, including its height, crown shape, physical condition, location, size, and conservation status.
Why Are Tree Surveys Essential?
Getting a tree survey is critical for several reasons, including:
- Determining whether a tree has decayed, died, or requires removal
- Finding out if a particular tree poses a risk to people or property
- Estimating how long the tree will live
- Finding out if the tree has any health problems, including fungal infections
- Determining the best management practices for the tree
- Ensuring that land development proceeds in an ethical and eco-friendly manner
- Protecting endangered tree species, including ash
Do Landowners Have A Legal Duty To Carry Out Tree Surveys?
Landowners have a legal duty of care to protect trees on their property. The law prohibits owners from felling certain species. It also requires them to protect trees that are over a certain age.
Landowners also carry out tree surveys to minimise their liability. For instance, if a tree falls onto a neighbour’s house, it is the fault of the tree owner.
Authorities expect you to properly maintain trees on your property and protect them from disease. If a tree gets sick, you should remove it to prevent the spread of infection. Tree surveys can help determine if any trees on your property are at risk.
Do You Need A Tree Survey For A Planning Application?
You should conduct a tree survey if you are building, extending or renovating a property on a site. It helps developers, architects, landscape designers, site owners, and property managers carry out the development in a more eco-friendly manner.
UK law insists you assess the impact of any new development on the local environment. As part of this requirement, you must check the effect of building work on nearby trees and vegetation, even if they do not fall on your property.
What Are The Different Categories Of Tree Surveys?
The BS5837 tree survey (sometimes called the “Stage One survey”) is often the first step to learning more about the trees on your site. Usually, it involves a phone call to find out more about your location, followed by a site visit.
You can also carry out an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) after the initial survey. It considers potential ecological concerns and how to alter your design to maximise the chance of planning permission.
You can also carry out a Health & Safety Tree Survey. These involve grading each tree according to life expectancy, health, and hazard potential.
How Do You Get A Tree Survey
You can get tree surveys by contacting qualified tree surgeons. They can advise on all aspects of your planned development and tell you if any trees on your property pose a hazard.
