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If you want to clear some land in the UK, which has trees, you will likely require a tree survey. This is something that professional arborists can carry out for you. If you are not sure what a tree survey is and how to get one, then the following guide is right for you. 

What is a tree survey/tree report? 

Tree surveys represent the process of gathering detailed data about trees present on a given property. These surveys aim to acquire more information about trees on both public and private landscapes. The reason why one would want to get a tree survey lies with the fact that owners of the land and representatives of the management team behind it have a legal duty to maintain the health and safety of trees, especially if the land is open to the public. Furthermore, to make the right decisions about the area owners need to have the expert level of information, which arborists can acquire during a tree survey. It is usually performed to the BS5837 standard. It presents a guideline for all of the data that needs to go into the survey, for it to be of any legal use. 

What information do tree surveys collect?

The British Standard BS5837 accumulates all of the information necessary for tree surveys. Based on it, the experts provide data on: 

• The number of trees in the area 
• The species of trees in the area 
• Giving a unique reference number to each of the individual trees 
• Age of trees – sometimes given by class, i.e. young, mature, veteran 
• The life expectancy of trees 
• The diameter of the trunk 
• Radii of the crown 
• The health of trees – features structural and physiological condition 
• Management recommendations 

All of this is mostly information for the experts to read and make recommendations based on. It is what makes the tree survey viable. 

How to determine if you require a survey? 

Carrying out a tree survey is required by law in many areas. One of the reasons for this is the species of trees in the area, many of which require protection. The Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 sets out the directives, which protect certain trees, i.e. stating they cannot be cut down. Another reason for tree surveys lies with developing the landscape. For those who want to build within the vicinity of trees, they will require a tree survey to determine whether the trees there are under a tree protection order and how to minimise the negative impact of development on them. Trees add great value to any property, and so any designer out there will first want to see a tree survey for recommendations on how to prevent any damage. Another important reason for tree surveys lies with detecting pests, diseases and structural damage, as well as the need to prune or otherwise assist the tree so that it doesn’t become a hazard. 

Do you need a tree survey? 

If you are close to finalising the plans for the development of your property, and you have a desire to add ancillary buildings or extensions, then a tree survey is something you need to get. If you need service lines or change of access to the property, you will also need a survey. It should include all of the trees present there, including any that are within influential distance. Needless to say, it has to be carried out by professional arborists, who know how to conduct the survey from A to Z and come up with the necessary data and recommendations. 

© Treework Environmental Practice