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Phone: 01786 821750
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Tree Reports & Surveys
Our Arboricultural Consultants carry out three main types of tree report:
Tree Reports for Safety (Tree Hazard Evaluation Reports)
Conducting a Tree Hazard Evaluation Report is considered best practise for landowners who own trees on land bordering public property or whose land is open to the public. They can also be useful to homeowners who are concerned about their own trees or whose neighbours are concerned. The tree reports record information on the species, age and condition of the trees, noting their future potential and any issues which may affect their safety. Prioritised recommendations will be made for any work required.
Your Obligations – Anyone who owns or manages land containing trees has a legal duty to ensure that they are in a safe condition so that foreseeable damage does not occur due to tree failure. (Occupiers Liability Act 1954/1980). Commercial premises have a further obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to undertake regular tree surveys so that trees do not cause foreseeable damage. Guidance issued by the Government, Forestry Commission and Arboricultural Association advises that a tree survey is regularly undertaken by a professional tree surveyor. Failure to do so may leave those responsible liable to prosecution.
How TD Trees can help – we will carry out a tree survey to identify hazardous trees, identifying prioritised recommendations to reduce owner liability.
TD Trees’ holds comprehensive professional indemnity insurance to back up our survey work. We can give you the peace of mind that by getting a report done and acting upon its recommendations, you have satisfied your ‘duty of care’.
Find out more – The Arboricultural Association has a useful leaflet on Trees and the Law.
Tree Reports for Planning Applications
A BS5837:2012 Tree Report and Survey is often required as part of a planning application and informs the planning officer of the trees on your site, their location, condition and future potential. The report feeds into their decision-making process and can inform any conditions attached. Clients with trees on their proposed development land often find it helpful to discuss their applications with us prior to submission. This helps avoid planning delays and additional costs. Initial consultations are free of charge and with no obligation.
BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. Recommendations
The British Standard gives recommendations and guidance on the relationship between trees and building design, demolition and construction processes and aims to achieve a harmonious and sustainable relationship between trees and structures. The tree report includes information about the tree positions, crown spread, colour-coded BS5837 Retention Category and Root Protection Areas. Clients may also require and Arboricultural Impact Assessment.
Sample pages from one of TD Trees’ reports show the quality of the work we produce, using a dedicated software system. This integrates with Google maps and produces the CAD, DWG, CSV and PDF files required by architects and designers.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
Depending on your application you may also be required to provide a supportive Arboricultural Impact Assessment. This is an assessment of your proposed development on the existing trees. We provide specialist advice on a range of issues that could affect the determination of your planning application.
Tree Reports for Mortgage Applications
In the last few years it has become more common for Mortgage Lenders to ask for tree reports prior to lending on a property. This is mainly due to an increased number of subsidence claims which can be expensive to settle. Trees can also damage buildings and structures if they are growing too close. Generally a tree will not harm a heavy structure with a solid foundation but lighter structures such as garden walls and paving can be easily damaged by tree roots. Our Arborists will produce a report to give you peace of mind and satisfy your mortgage lender.
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