Consulting

Acorn Tree Work is qualified to give advice on a broad range of tree matters relating to conservation and planning. We recommend that all trees should be checked regularly to check for possible damage and defects.

Tree owners are advised to look carefully at their trees for signs of fungal activity at the base and root system (particularly noticeable in the autumn) and for dead and diseased branches and cavities in the stem and crown. We are happy to perform site visits and carry out visual inspections. We may also suggest aerial inspections to determine any possible defects in the crown that cannot be seen from ground level.

Performing a Tree Survey

 

What Is A Tree Survey?
Tree surveys are commonly carried out by property developers on both public and private land. Often homeowners and property managers have a need to make a decision about what to do about a particular tree – whether it should be cut down or kept in place. A tree survey aims to give useful information about trees on the land so that the relevant parties are able to determine a course of action.

Who Can Carry Out A Tree Survey?
A qualified arborist carries out a tree survey to British Standard BS5837, a guide as to which trees are suitable for retention and which require removal from the site.

What Does A Tree Survey Tell Us?
A considerable amount of information about a tree can be gleaned from the survey. Firstly, the arborist determines the age of the tree and how much longer it is likely to survive. It is given its scientific name and its physical data is captured including its height and diameter. Investigations are also carried out into the tree’s wellbeing and its overall health and finally, a professional recommendation is given on how the tree should be managed and dealt with.

Why Would A Tree Survey Be Necessary?
Although occasionally a tree survey is mandatory in the case of preventing the accidental cutting down of a protected tree, usually a tree survey is carried out where a developer or homeowner intends to construct buildings in the area close to the trees. The information received in the report can be used by landscape designers to create accurate drafts according to the data they have received.

What Happens If A Tree Survey Shows That A Tree Is Protected?
Should a protected tree be located on land that would otherwise be developed, a landscape designer can design around the tree in question in order for it to blend into the landscape and design. It is possible that a landscape designer may also choose to retain some other trees on the land to boost the property’s value.

What Hazards May A Tree Survey Reveal?
When carrying out a tree survey, it is possible that certain hazards may be revealed that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. A tree may be discovered that is unstable due to fungal decay and could snap in high winds or bad weather. In these cases, it would be wise to remove the tree before any damage to property or injury to persons occurs.

What Happens During A Tree Survey?
A trained arboriculturalist will examine all the trees on the designated property and will tag each with a tag and number. A summary table will be produced which can be cross-referenced with the tree tags to reveal their meanings. All information should be presented in a user friendly manner. No work should commence on the land until the tree survey has been fully completed.

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