Tree Surveyance…

Answered…

PHIL

Tree Surveyor & Arborist

Our lead tree surveyor brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in the arboriculture industry. With a deep understanding of tree health, safety, and management, he will provide clear, practical advice you can trust. His extensive background ensures every survey is carried out with professionalism, accuracy, and care for both trees and people.

  • A tree health and risk survey is an arboricultural inspection that assesses:

    • The biological condition of trees

    • The likelihood of failure (branches, stem, or roots)

    • The risk posed to people, property, or infrastructure

    Its purpose is risk management, not tree removal by default.

  • 1. Tree Condition

    Inspectors look for:

    • Leaf size, colour, density, and seasonal timing

    • Dieback or deadwood

    • Epicormic growth (stress response)

    • Structural defects (cracks, cavities, included bark)

    2. Pests & Diseases

    Common indicators:

    • Fungal fruiting bodies (decay)

    • Insect exit holes or galleries

    • Bark lesions or cankers

    • Root plate decay signs

    3. Vitality

    Trees are classified as:

    • Good… healthy growth, no significant defects

    • Fair… minor stress or early decline

    • Poor… declining health, structural weakness

    • Dead/Dying… self explanatory

  • 1. Likelihood of Failure

    • Dead or overextended branches

    • Decay in trunk or roots

    • Poor previous pruning

    • Leaning trees with disturbed root plates

    2. Likelihood of Impact

    Risk increases if the tree is near:

    • Roads or footpaths

    • Buildings

    • Playgrounds or seating areas

    • Power lines

    3. Consequences of Failure

    • Injury to people

    • Damage to buildings or vehicles

    • Obstruction of highways or services

    Risk is usually expressed as Low / Moderate / High or by a scoring system.

  • Our surveys use a combination of:

    • Tree condition

    • Target occupancy

    • Failure probability

    This avoids unnecessary removal and supports proportionate management.

  • Our survey may recommend:

    • Deadwood removal

    • Crown reduction or thinning

    • Monitoring (e.g. re-inspect in 6–12 months)

    • Root protection or soil improvement

    • Removal only if risk cannot be mitigated

    • Public open spaces

    • Schools and hospitals

    • Commercial sites

    • Residential developments

    • Following storm damage

    • Insurance or liability concerns

  • The cost of a tree health and risk survey can vary depending on several factors, including the number of trees, site size and accessibility, tree size and condition, and the level of detail required within the report. Additional considerations may include travel distance, the need for specialist assessment equipment, and whether repeat inspections or monitoring are recommended. As every site and tree population is unique, surveys are priced on an individual basis to ensure the assessment is appropriate, proportionate, and compliant with current arboricultural best practice. Clients are therefore encouraged to contact us to discuss their requirements and obtain a tailored quotation.

Surveying a tree to make sure its healthy and safe