Tree Surveys And Inspections, What You Need To Know
Homeowners who are lucky enough to own gardens which house trees need to ensure these trees remain healthy and are in keeping with their surroundings. Knowing what and when to carry out work on trees requires specialist knowledge. Luckily there are many different basic tree surveys and inspections that can been obtained before you decide to employ a tree surgeon, which one you use will depend on your specific needs. It is always essential to seek professional guidance from knowledgeable arboriculturalists to decide the type of survey and report you might require because tree inspections and reports in Glasgow can be expensive.
The different kinds of tree surveys we'll discuss in this article are listed below:
For planning purposes, a tree survey and report (BS 5837 tree survey)
Focused tree survey
Arboricultural Method Statement
Ecological survey
Tree condition survey and report – for safety
Tree Protection Plan
Subsidence management tree survey
Tree preservation orders (TPOs)
Litigation
Climbed tree survey
Full inventory tree survey
Pre-purchase tree survey – when acquiring a property or land
Decay detection survey
QTRA – Quantified Tree Risk Assessment
Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
Tree Surveys Can Be Of Various Types, Including Planning Permission Tree Surveys And Reports
You should consider any trees that are on the site or nearby if you plan to submit a planning application. A BS 5837 tree survey is required for planning applications. This British Standard outlines the data that must be acquired from a tree survey in order for it to be included in a tree report.
By ensuring there is minimal effect on trees, tree surveyors can help the developer secure their planning consent.
Your tree survey and report must be modified for the local authority's tree officer in the planning division depending on where you are. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) may also be required for BS 5837. This is an assessment of the impact of arboriculture.
An Arboricultural Method Statement may be necessary before planning can start after bids are confirmed. This will make it less likely that workers on the job site may accidentally harm trees. The Arboricultural Method Statement may examine necessary tree pruning, the installation of above or below-ground services, road construction methods, the specifications for protective fencing, land regarding, storage, the handling of materials that might endanger trees' health, soil compaction, and machinery movement.
Depending on the specifics of your projects and the local government, you might also need to have an ecological survey completed as part of the planning process. The ecological survey will take into account, amongst other things, bats, water voles, badgers, otters, amphibians, and dormice. If any protected species are found, the proposed development's effects will be evaluated, and appropriate steps will be taken.
There will be a Tree Protection Plan in connection with the Arboricultural Method Statement. This will show where the action is required to limit activity in the indicated areas. This implies that everything will go according to plan and that no trees will be accidentally harmed.
Plan For Tree Constraints
The location of each tree, its crown spread, shade limitations, root protection regions, and colour-coded retention category as per BS 5837 are all displayed on a tree constraints plan, which is a CAD drawing. A tree constraints plan's goal is to assist designers in taking trees into consideration.
Schedule For Tree Data
The results of your BS 5837 tree survey are shown in a tree data schedule. This table is used to provide information on each tree, including its age, size, condition, amenity value, life span, species, defects, recommendations, and BS 5837 retention category. There is a scaled diagram for each tree as well.
Tree Survey and Pre-Purchase Report
A tree survey is required to assess the danger of subsidence and tree failure on the property when selling or purchasing a home. Any tree that might have an impact on the property is included in pre-purchase tree studies, and the report will contain any suggestions for reducing the risk.
Report and Survey on Subsidence Management of Trees
When subsidence has already happened, you will need a tree survey with a report to identify the trees that are responsible. Recommendations for lowering dangers in the future will be included in the tree report.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Local Authorities may establish TPOs in accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. There may be TPOs for a single tree, a group of trees, or an entire woodland. TPOs were created to protect trees from being cut down or pruned illegally.
Expert and Legal Witness
There are tree surveys and reports that meet requirements that have been certified by legal authorities in the case that trees harm people or property.
Surveys on Tree Conditions
A tree survey is a good idea if there is cause for concern over a tree's health for safety and management reasons. A tree surveyor can look for faults and diseases in trees. Tree faults such as rotting and flimsy branch connections will be found by the tree survey. Each tree's structural integrity will be examined, and the report's conclusions will suggest an appropriate course of action that will lower any hazards to a tolerable level.
Depending on the number of trees being evaluated and the available funding, there are various tree condition surveys.
Focused Inventory and Full Inventory Tree Surveys
Each tree survey will evaluate all trees on the property with a diameter of more than 150 mm and both will provide a report on any necessary work. The Occupiers Liability Act will be completely complied with by the published tree reports.
A focused inventory tree study will only provide information on the trees that need work, but a full inventory tree survey would provide detailed information on all the examined trees. The latter is more cost-effective.
Quantified Tree Risk Assessment Tree Survey (QTRA)
Individuals who are in charge of a significant number of trees often choose this kind of tree survey. The QTRA system provides an estimate of the probability of major harm occurring.
Decay Detection Specialist Tree Survey
This form of specialised tree survey will indicate the amount of decay within a tree. The utilisation of ultrasound and seismograph technology is required for this survey.
Tree Climbing Surveys
A climbed tree survey may be recommended when the severity of a tree defect cannot always be seen from the ground.
Contact us
Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we can help to determine the right survey and report for your circumstances.
Contact tom@theglasgowtreesurgeon.co.uk or call us on 0141 321 1569
