Tree Report (Tree Survey):
Ensuring the Health and Safety of Your Trees

Being the owner of a large tree can be worrying for many people.
This can be particularly poignant if the tree is situated in a position where it overhangs a public footpath/highway or neighbouring property.

As a tree owner, you bear the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of the trees on your property.

This isn't just about aesthetics; it's a legal obligation outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

To meet these obligations and ensure the safety of your trees, you need to understand the importance of a Tree Condition Report.

Tree Owners' Legal Obligations

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty of care on tree owners.

This duty extends to following guidance issued by the Government, the Forestry Commission, and the Arboricultural Association.

This means you must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of anyone who may be affected by the trees on your property.

In essence, it's your responsibility to identify and mitigate potential tree-related hazards.

Why a Tree Condition Report Matters

A tree report (tree survey) is your roadmap to tree safety. It involves a thorough assessment of your trees' health,

biomechanics, and diagnosis of issues such as disease, decay, dysfunction, and structural integrity problems.

Let's break down why each of these aspects is crucial.

Assessing Tree Health

The first step in a tree condition report is assessing the overall health of your trees.

Healthy trees are not only beautiful but also less likely to pose risks.

Signs of good tree health include vibrant leaves, sturdy branches, and a robust root system.

However, it's equally important to recognize the signs of poor health, like wilting leaves or abnormal growth patterns.

Evaluating Biomechanics

Biomechanics refers to how a tree's structure responds to external forces like wind and snow.

Understanding your tree's biomechanics is essential to assess its stability and the risk of failure.

Key factors to consider include crown structure, limb attachments, and signs of structural weaknesses.

This information helps determine if your tree is at risk of falling or losing limbs.

Diagnosing Disease

Trees, like any living organisms, can fall prey to diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses.

In your tree condition report (tree survey), any visible signs of disease are documented.

Early detection is crucial to prevent the spread of disease to other trees and to prescribe appropriate treatments.

Detecting Decay

Decay within a tree's trunk or branches weakens its structure, making it susceptible to failure.

Specialized tools and techniques are used to assess the extent of decay, and recommendations for remedial action are provided, which may include pruning or removal.

Addressing Dysfunction

Dysfunction refers to any abnormal functioning within a tree, such as root damage, nutrient deficiencies, or poor growth.

Identifying the root causes of dysfunction is essential for restoring the tree's health and vitality.

Ensuring Structural Integrity

A thorough examination of your tree's core components, including the trunk, branches, and root system, helps assess its structural integrity.

Signs of weakness, such as cracks, splits, or compromised attachment points, are carefully documented.

This information empowers tree owners to make informed decisions about tree management.

As a tree owner, you play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the trees on your property.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places legal obligations on you to protect those who may be affected by your trees.

A tree report (tree survey) is not just a piece of paper; it's a tool that empowers you to meet these obligations.

By assessing tree health, biomechanics, and diagnosing issues like disease, decay, dysfunction, and structural integrity problems, you are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of your trees and those around them.

Remember, a healthy tree is a safe tree.

Contacting Our Tree Consultant
for a Tree Survey/Report

Now that you understand the importance of a tree condition report and your responsibilities as a tree owner, the next step is to take action. To ensure the safety and well-being of your trees and comply with legal obligations, it's time to contact one of our professional tree consultants.

Please click here to contact us for a free quotation.

Tree Condition​Reports

Tree Condition
Reports