If you’re a landowner, in charge of grounds maintenance, or simply striving to maintain your garden, it’s your responsibility to be aware of the health, condition, and suitability of your trees. Despite being a visually pleasing and environmentally beneficial part of any outdoor space, trees can pose significant risks to the surrounding area and those in it. You must be armed with the correct information to ensure that these risks are accounted for. This is where a tree survey comes in. 

A tree survey is a professional assessment that records critical information about the condition of trees at any given site. This process should be conducted on both domestic and commercial grounds at the correct times to allow you to make decisions regarding their ongoing maintenance or removal if necessary.

What Does A Tree Survey Include?

Given that the purpose of a tree survey is to give a holistic overview of the condition of your trees, it includes a wide range of information and lots of detail. The key components of a tree survey include:

  • The species of the/each tree.
  • The dimensions of the tree, including height, diameter, and branch spread. 
  • The age and current life stage of the tree.
  • Evaluation of the tree’s overall health, noting any signs of disease, decay or instability.
  • The tree’s removal or retention status, as per BS 5837 categorisations. 
  • Professional recommendations regarding the next steps for the management of the tree(s), such as pruning or crown lifting.

tree foliage

How Often Should A Tree Survey Be Carried Out?

While those responsible for trees are often aware of the existence of a tree survey, safety typically falls down when it comes to the survey being carried out at the right time. 

Tree surveys should be carried out regularly, with the exact frequency depending on the type of land and the way it is used. As a general rule, you should get a tree survey every two years, though this frequency may need to be more regular in high-risk and high-use areas such as public spaces and schools. At the very minimum, a tree survey must be conducted every 5 years. 

We advise that you always speak to our professional team if you are not sure how often your trees should be inspected. They will be able to provide guidance tailored to your exact requirements and location.

Other Signs You Need A Tree Survey

In addition to routine inspections, there are specific signs and situations which indicate that a tree survey is necessary. 

The most important rules to be aware of are those regarding the development of building projects and construction work. As per BS 5837, a tree survey is mandatory if you are applying for any type of planning permission and trees are within 12 metres of the building site. 

A tree survey may also be necessary should you spot any of the following:

  • Visible signs of damage to your trees.
  • Diseases or pests, which may indicate that the tree needs to be removed.
  • Indication of storm damage to your trees, as this can weaken their structural integrity and make them a potential hazard.

diseased tree

Benefits Of A Tree Survey

While getting a tree survey is a legal obligation in many instances, the benefits of a professional inspection extend far beyond compliance with BS 5837. In fact, one of the key benefits of a tree survey is the ability to identify damage not visible to the untrained eye or disease in its early stages, allowing for preventative action before the issue becomes more serious. Addressing problems with your trees at an early stage not only reduces risk levels but can also significantly lower long-term maintenance costs, making tree management more cost-effective.

By spotting early signs of decay and structural instability, you can implement measures to preserve the tree’s health and avoid expensive tree removals or the need for emergency action following storm damage. A proactive approach also ensures that the visual appeal of your property or grounds remains high at all times and that your trees remain a sustainable asset rather than a liability.

Professional Tree Surveys From Arborcure

At Arborcure, we understand just how important it is that you maintain the health, safety and appearance of your trees. That’s why our team of qualified arborists can provide expert tree surveys for both domestic and commercial properties and areas.

All of our tree surveys are conducted with the utmost care and attention to detail in accordance with BS 5837. We both assess the health of your trees and offer actionable recommendations in our reports. Our team is also qualified to conduct the maintenance recommendations we may make, ensuring that the entire process of compliance from survey to pruning, removal, or crown lifting is as straightforward for you as it should be.

To find out more about our professional tree surveys and arrange your inspection, simply get in touch with Arborcure today.