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Tree Surveys for Mortgages and Insurance Purposes

Mortgage & Insurance Tree Reports

Clear, defensible tree reports for lenders and insurers — focused assessments that confirm risk, condition and whether intervention is needed. 

Property purchases and insurance queries often raise questions about nearby trees. A Mortgage or Insurance Tree Report provides the evidence lenders and insurers need and gives homeowners a straightforward, proportionate understanding of any real risk. 

When lenders or insurers raise questions, clarity avoids delays

Concerns about tree proximity, size or potential movement can stall a mortgage offer or complicate an insurance claim. 
A focused assessment shows whether the tree poses low risk, manageable risk or requires further action — keeping the process moving. 

What is a Mortgage & Insurance Tree Report?

A Mortgage & Insurance Tree Report evaluates whether trees pose a risk to: 

  • buildings and foundations 
  • driveways, hard surfaces or retaining structures 
  • underground services 
  • drainage systems 
  • structural stability (windthrow, decay, defects) 

The assessment includes: 

  • species, age and condition 
  • vitality and structural integrity 
  • proximity and root protection considerations 
  • soil behaviour (particularly shrink–swell clays) 
  • likelihood of tree-related damage 
  • proportionate recommendations 

Reports are formatted for acceptance by lenders, surveyors, insurers and conveyancers. 

Large tree positioned close to a residential house, indicating the need for a Mortgage Protection Tree Report.

The Mortgage & Insurance Tree Report process

Step Description
1. Initial Review Send the lender or insurer request and property details.
2. Site Assessment Inspection of the tree, its condition and its relationship to structures.
3. Diagnosis Risk classed as low, moderate or high with justification.
4. Recommendations Proportionate maintenance or monitoring guidance.
5. Reporting A lender- and insurer-ready report issued promptly.

We keep guidance clear and planning-ready — supporting predictable project delivery. 

Our Approach

Evidence Based

Clear diagnosis rooted in arboricultural and structural principles.

Measured

Recommendations aligned to real, not hypothetical, risk.

Lender & Insurance Ready

Reports structured for immediate acceptance.

Balanced Outcomes

Tree value, property safety and long-term management all considered.

Why this matters for lending and insurance

Mortgage lenders and insurers assess risk differently from planners. 

They want clear evidence that a tree: 

  • is stable 
  • is unlikely to cause structural issues 
  • will not significantly increase risk over time 
  • can be managed proportionately 
  • does not pose foreseeable hazards 
Without this information, lenders may: 
 
  • reduce loan offers 
  • request further surveys 
  • delay approval 
  • impose conditions 

A clear tree report keeps the process straightforward and predictable. 

Do I Need this Report?

You likely need a mortgage or insurance report if: 

  • a homebuyer survey has flagged “tree proximity” 
  • your lender requests a tree report before issuing an offer 
  • your insurer queries the risk of subsidence or storm failure 
  • a neighbouring tree is raising concern 
  • cracks have appeared and need evidence-based explanation 
  • you are buying or selling a property with mature trees nearby 
  • the property sits on clay soil 

This report provides the clarity lenders and insurers require.

What your Mortgage & Insurance Tree Report includes

A concise, defensible assessment tailored to lender and insurer expectations: 

  • species, age, height and crown spread 
  • proximity to structures and foundations 
  • rooting environment and soil behaviour 
  • vitality, defects, decay indicators and structural stability 
  • risk of direct or indirect damage 
  • realistic maintenance recommendations 
  • clear conclusion on risk level 
  • proportionate next steps 

Case Note

A 1960s brick property on clay soil was flagged by a lender due to a mature willow 7 metres from the rear elevation.
The homebuyer report suggested “possible subsidence risk.” Assessment found no crack patterns associated with shrink–swell behaviour and no drainage defects. Species characteristics and soil indicators were reviewed, with overall risk classed as low. The lender accepted the report, and the mortgage progressed without further conditions.

Your Next Step

Need a Mortgage or Insurance Tree Report? 
Share your details and we’ll confirm exactly what’s required. 

Phone: 0800 494 7479 
Email: [email protected] 

Mortgage & Insurance Tree Report FAQs

Do lenders always ask for tree reports?

Not always. It depends on proximity, species and soil type. 

Large, high water-demand species near structures on shrink–swell soils raise queries most often. 

Clear evidence usually resolves lender concerns quickly. 

Possibly. Species behaviour and soil conditions matter as much as condition.

No. Many relate to thermal movement or drainage issues. 

Do insurers require removal?

Only when evidence clearly supports it. Most cases involve routine maintenance.

Often, yes. It depends on species and structural context.

Typically 12 months, depending on the tree’s condition.

Yes. The report can include them where relevant. 

Photos, mortgage or insurer instructions, and the site address. 

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