
Tree surveys, also known as arboricultural surveys, are essential assessments conducted on public or private land to gather key information about trees, such as their age, species, health, life expectancy, and management recommendations. Certified arborists or tree surgeons carry out these surveys to evaluate trees, their condition, and any potential risks. The findings help homeowners and property managers make informed decisions about tree care, maintenance, and tree removal services.
Read on to learn about the different situations in which you may need a tree survey and the type of evaluation required for each.
1. Health and Safety
Tree surveys are vital for both homeowners and business owners, as unsafe trees can pose serious risks to property and people. These surveys are particularly important for schools, housing associations, and property managers to comply with safety regulations and insurance requirements. They identify potential hazards, assess tree conditions, and recommend necessary maintenance work, including tree surgery if required.
2. Planning Permission
When planning any development involving trees, whether for property alterations, extensions, or new buildings, a tree survey is often required. BS5837 tree surveys evaluate the impact of trees on proposed developments. The results help guide planning applications, ensuring they accommodate trees or outline the impact of tree removal. A thorough tree survey increases the likelihood of a successful application by detailing how tree preservation or removal will affect the development.
3. Compliance with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Conservation Areas
In the UK, trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and in conservation areas, making it illegal to damage, remove, or uproot them without permission from local authorities. A tree survey is often needed to ensure compliance with these legal protections, particularly when work on or around protected trees is planned.
4. Tree Management
Regular tree surveys, including techniques like PiCUS testing, are crucial for maintaining tree health and preserving the ecological balance of a property. Arborists use advanced equipment to measure various parameters such as trunk diameter, height, crown spread, and root protection zones to evaluate tree health and growth.
PiCUS testing involves using sonic tomography to detect internal decay and cavities, helping identify risks associated with fungi like Ganoderma sp. These surveys provide essential data for landowners to make informed decisions about tree care, ensuring long-term tree health and sustainability.
5. Insurance or Mortgage Requirements
Insurance companies and mortgage lenders often require tree surveys when approving policies or mortgages, particularly for properties with large or potentially hazardous trees. This is especially important in areas prone to subsidence caused by tree roots. Subsidence surveys evaluate the risk of property and structural damage through soil analysis, root identification, and monitoring of movements.
Book an Arboricultural Survey with Arbour Services
At Arbour Services, our certified tree surgeons follow BS5837 standards, ensuring reliable, accurate, and compliant tree surveys that determine whether trees should remain or be removed. Whether you're planning a construction project or simply want to assess the condition of trees on your property, our experts will provide the information you need to make informed decisions about tree care, tree removal services and legal compliance.
Contact us today to schedule an arboricultural survey or tree removal services in Glasgow and surrounding areas.
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