Trees bring many benefits to both business and commercial sites, as well as school sites and public areas. While they add aesthetic value and contribute positively to the overall appearance of a site, managing them properly helps keep them healthy and minimises safety risks. 

All businesses and schools that have responsibility for the outdoor areas of their property are obligated to conduct ongoing assessments, including tree surveys, to meet health and safety requirements, in addition to maintaining their green assets.

What Is A Tree Survey?

A tree survey is an assessment conducted by a licensed arborist who has expertise in assessing the health and structural integrity of trees on your site. A tree survey can identify all of the following:

  • Structural defects
  • Disease and decay
  • Pest infestation
  • Dead or damaged limbs
  • Root-related issues
  • Possible threats to people or property

All information gathered during tree surveys is documented in a report, along with relevant findings and recommendations for future management, maintenance, repair, or replacement.

Why Are Tree Surveys Important?

While it is every business’s and school’s responsibility to ensure that none of their trees pose a threat to people or property, conducting periodic tree surveys provides evidence that the trees on your site are being properly managed and helps prevent major problems from becoming costly or dangerous.

Schools are especially at risk when it comes to ensuring the safety of students and staff who frequently spend time outdoors using school facilities, and it’s a legal requirement to get a tree survey for schools regularly. Businesses with parking areas, walkways, and customer-accessible grounds also need to ensure there is an ongoing tree survey programme in place to inspect and maintain trees.

When Do I Have To Get My Trees Surveyed?

There are a number of circumstances in which tree surveys should be performed, including but not limited to:

  • As part of an ongoing routine tree management plan
  • Prior to construction or development projects
  • After experiencing severe weather
  • If signs of disease, decay, or physical damage have been identified on any tree

In new development projects, the arborist may also be able to assist with planning applications by determining how a proposed project may impact existing trees.

What Information Will The Arborist Provide In Their Tree Survey Report?

Depending on the type of tree survey performed, a typical report includes:

  • Species identification of each tree
  • Location of each tree
  • Each tree’s condition and health status
  • Description of any defects or hazards identified
  • Risk evaluations
  • Recommendations for action and maintenance priorities

At Arborcure, our tree survey reports include all of the above information and give you a comprehensive understanding of the condition of all of the trees on your property. Our team can also perform larger-scale tree surveys, giving you a clear inventory from which you can develop a proper strategy for maintenance moving forward.

Benefits Of Conducting Ongoing Tree Surveys

Conducting periodic inspections can benefit your organisation in several ways:

  • Improving safety throughout the site
  • Reducing liability and demonstrating due diligence
  • Protecting valuable trees through early detection and intervention
  • Assisting with planning and development projects
  • Preventing costly emergency repairs and damage to buildings

By performing regular tree surveys, you’ll not only meet relevant compliance standards but also gain a better understanding of the condition of your trees and assess potential risks to employees, customers, and the public. When you address these concerns proactively, you can promote safety, protect property, and preserve the long-term value of your landscape. 

If you’re looking for a trusted tree surgeon to carry out your tree surveys, you can get in touch with the team here at Arborcure. With over 20 years of industry experience and a strong reputation as one of the most reliable grounds maintenance partners in the South West, we’re on hand to help you with all of your tree needs on your own business or school grounds.