Tree Health Surveys
Focused assessments that identify structural, physiological or safety issues in trees — practical evidence for planning, management and risk-based decisions.
Declining trees can create uncertainty: reduced vitality, deadwood, cavities, fungal fruiting bodies or changes in canopy structure. A Tree Health Survey provides clear, proportionate guidance on condition, risk and appropriate management.
Healthy or not, trees change and clarity keeps sites safe...
Tree condition shifts quietly over time. Some issues are cosmetic; others need attention.
A structured health assessment explains what’s happening, how serious it is and what management is appropriate.
What is a Tree Health Survey?
A Tree Health Survey evaluates the structural and physiological condition of a tree by assessing:
- vitality, crown density and canopy structure
- stem, branch and root condition
- presence of decay, cavities or fungal indicators
- pest and disease symptoms
- structural defects and load distribution
- potential failure points
- surrounding context and site use
The outcome is a clear picture of current health, foreseeable risk and recommended maintenance.
Reports can be tailored for planning, safety management, insurers, landowners and estates.
Do I need a Tree Health Survey?
You may need one if you’ve noticed:
- declining leaf density or early leaf drop
- branches dying back or hanging limbs
- cavities or fungi at the base or stem
- cracks, splits or included unions
- unusually heavy leaning
- storm damage or recent instability
- concerns raised by contractors, neighbours or planners
A Tree Health Survey provides clear, risk-based recommendations.
Our Approach
Condition Focused
Assessment grounded in visible symptoms and structural behaviour.
Risk Appropriate
Recommendations aligned to actual defect significance.
Planning Aware
Clear evidence for retention, pruning or justified removal.
Technically Clear
Plain-English explanations of defects and impacts.
What We Deliver
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Initial Review | Provide photos, site details and any previous notes. |
| 2. On-Site Assessment | Inspection of the tree’s structure, vitality, rooting environment and surroundings. |
| 3. Diagnosis | Defects and health indicators interpreted within industry standards. |
| 4. Recommendations | Options for maintenance, monitoring or further investigation. |
| 5. Reporting | A clear, planning-compatible and contractor-friendly report. |
Why this matters for planning
Tree health influences planning decisions under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
LPAs may request evidence to understand:
- whether a tree is safe to retain
- whether removal or reduction is justified
- how condition interacts with site layout
- whether protection measures are required
Unclear condition assessments can lead to delays, queries or revised designs.
A Tree Health Survey includes:
A clear, practical assessment of tree condition:
- vitality and canopy assessment
- structural inspection of stem, branches and unions
- evaluation of decay, cavities and fungal indicators
- root condition and rooting environment
- pest and disease identification (where applicable)
- risk rating based on defect significance
- recommended maintenance or monitoring
- suitability for retention in planning contexts
- safety guidance for landowners and contractors
Your Next Step
Need an invertebrate survey? We’ll confirm what’s required and align survey windows with your programme.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
Case Note
Inspection found a significant cavity at the lower stem and a fungal fruiting body indicating internal decay. Load distribution and site context were evaluated, and the cavity was assessed as structurally significant. Target-based risk assessment supported staged reduction rather than full removal, retaining the tree while managing risk appropriately.
Tree Health Survey FAQs
Does decay always make a tree unsafe?
No. Some decay is manageable. The location, extent and progression determine risk.
What does fungal growth mean?
Fungal fruiting bodies indicate decay activity, but the severity varies widely. Assessment clarifies significance.
Can declining trees recover?
Sometimes. Vitality depends on species, age, soil conditions and current stress.
Do all defects require immediate action?
No. Many can be managed through pruning or monitoring
Will planners allow removal due to poor health?
Only where evidence is clear. A Tree Health Survey provides that evidence.
Do I need a full BS 5837 survey as well?
Only if development interacts with root protection areas or crown spread.
Is a leaning tree dangerous?
Not always. Some lean naturally. Assessment clarifies whether the lean is historic or active.
Can pests or diseases spread to other trees?
Some can. Identification helps avoid wider impact.
Does storm damage always justify removal?
Not necessarily. It depends on species resilience and defect severity.
What information helps before the visit?
Photos, site address, species (if known) and details of recent symptoms.
