Tree condition assessment, risk management plans and BS 5837 surveys.
tree surveys and risk management plans FROM A COMPETENT AND INSURED PROFESSIONAL
Landowners have a duty of care to avoid injury or damage to persons or property as a result of trees growing on their land.
While informal assessments of the risks from trees have their uses, a more rigorous approach to demonstrating this duty of care involves a formal survey of the property and the subsequent production of a written tree risk management plan.
The plan should record the location of all trees with a potential to cause harm and it should identify where remedial work is required to address defects and hazards. It should also prescribe an ongoing inspection regime that is commensurate with the level of risk present.
While the plan does not need to be elaborate or time consuming to implement, it should be clearly worded, easy to use, unambiguous and appropriate to the circumstances of the property in question.
As a LANTRA-qualified professional tree inspector, I am able to assist landowners and their managers by producing a tree risk management plan that meets with these requirements. I am also able to undertake the tree inspection work that the plan recommends and implement any remedial arboricultural works that are required.
In all aspects of my work, I endeavour to deliver value for money and to make it easy for customers to return with repeat business. To this effect, my tree risk management plans are tailored to the level of risk that is present on the property being surveyed.
For example, a short and simple plan is usually recommended when a property contains just a few trees and there is a low level of risk - whereas a more extensive plan would be necessary for a woodland or large estate where there are many trees and frequent footfall or traffic in the vicinity.
To ensure that I make the correct recommendation to a customer, I undertake a preliminary assessment of a property at no cost with the aim of meeting the owner (or manager) and identifying any site specific requirements. I will then suggest an appropriate survey or plan in writing and provide an estimate of the cost of doing the work.
Developers and architects will find that I am competent to undertake surveys and produce reports that meet the recommendations and guidance of British Standard BS5837:2012.
Depending on the brief, I will assess all or some of the site trees in the development area and produce a written report (arboricultural method statement) that is designed to satisfy your client and make it easy for the planning officer to provide consent for your proposal. The report is supported by an arboricultural risk assessment and comprehensive appendices. I provide maps in a digital format that suits you - PDF, CAD file or ESRI compatible shapefile.
I also undertake custom tree surveys, including a cost-effective short form survey of a development site in order to identify the main constraints or opportunities that may be present without incurring the full cost of a BS5837 compatible survey.
Please click here for my contact details, which can be used to arrange an appointment or to request further information.
Alternatively, please click the link below for some further suggestions as to how I might help with managing your trees and woodland.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, or would like to send me your specific requirements, then kindly use the contact form here.