Author: Emma Candlin

Tree Surveys in the Peak District

We have been completing a number of tree surveys and tree health checks in the beautiful Peak District specifically near Buxton.

What do Tree Surveys in the Peak District Include?

Tree Surveys and Reports, Health of Your Trees

A tree survey involves us working to the BS5837:2012 standard. This means that our surveys are compliant, and they are covered by our £5million Professional Indemnity Insurance for further peace of mind. They typically include a detailed plan identifying where the tree is located, tree measurements including canopy, trunk and root zone. They also include a plan and details on where to situate a tree protection fence to ensure the protection of the roots.

These tree surveys are often used in planning applications as the council often request them when an extension or new build is planned to take place. Their objective to make sure that no damage will occur to the tree canopy or its root zone. As such we can advise on different methods to achieve the desired build whilst protecting the tree(s) and appeasing the Arboricultural Officer with regards planning constraints.

What is a Tree Condition Survey?

Tree condition surveys are based on a standard tree survey; however, they are bias toward the health of the tree and identifying any potential issues. This is done with the objective to firstly make sure the tree is safe and secondly to ensure the ongoing health of the tree. Tree condition surveys are particularly useful if the tree overhangs a pedestrian walkway or a playground as the Health and Safety executive can, and has, taken a number of people to court when a branch has come off a tree and injured a person.

tree health survey london

How much should Tree Surveys in the Peak District cost?

The price varies but typically the price will be between £500 and £250. However, this will increase depending on the number of trees, accessibility, and what type of survey you require. For example, many people will need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment as well as the initial tree survey and this can add to the price. For a detailed quote please do ring our Head office on 01782 479479

 

For tree surveys and tree condition surveys, especially in the Peak District, please do get in touch by phone on 01782 479479 or email: [email protected] and we will be happy to help with any of your questions!

 

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Excavating Around Trees

When digging or excavating around trees there is an absolute need to be mindful of the roots as if these are damaged it can cause significant harm to the tree and even kill it. 

In an ideal world no excavation will occur in what is called the root zone of a tree. The root zone is calculated by measuring the diameter of the trunk. This is then used to calculate the area that should not be dug in as there is a high risk to causing damage to the roots of the tree. 

However, it is often necessary to dig around them and sometimes near them when building foundations or inserting utilities. So how can we help?

excavating around trees

 

What happens when you need to dig near a tree?

If you need to dig near a tree to put in a foundation or utilities, we will follow the following process:

  1. We would come out and conduct a survey of the tree and area. This allows us to look at multiple factors that will influence our recommendations and enables us to advise not only what is best for the health of the tree but also from a commercial perspective.
  2. We would then put together a detailed report and method statement; all our reports are to BS5837:2012 standard.
  3. The report would contain detailed recommendations that would normally enable the work to be carried out whilst also protecting the health of the tree and meeting the requirements of the council’s Arboriculture officer.

How close can you excavate next to a tree?

Typically, the “rootzone” area has a radius of 12x the diameter of the trunk. Outside this area you can carry out ground works unhindered. However, within this area you will require a tree survey carried out by a qualified arboriculturist and a report with recommendations along with a detailed method statement.

How do you protect tree roots during excavation?

If we need to excavate within the rootzone of a tree we can use an “air-spade”. This is the recommended way of excavating in an area that is likely to have roots. This does take significantly longer than simply digging with a digger, but it enables us to dig without damaging the roots. If there are small roots that are less than 30mm in diameter these can be carefully cut with a pruning saw or secateurs. However, any larger roots will need to be looked at on an individual basis as these may need to be excavated around. 

Can you dig around tree roots?

Yes, you can dig around roots, however this needs to be done very carefully. We would use an air-spade or soil pick. This selective excavator breaks up porous and semi-porous soils, whilst leaving non-porous objects unaffected. This is achieved by firing an airstream that is supersonic travelling at Mach 2, leaving both utilities and tree roots unaffected.

How deep do you need to dig around a tree?

It is quite possible to dig under a tree as it is rare that tree roots are deeper than 1m. However, when digging under a tree you still need to be very careful to ensure that there are no roots. By careful moling and use of cameras this can be achieved successfully especially when digging at 1m or greater below the majority of trees. As with anything there is always the exception to the rule and some trees have substantial tap roots. In these cases, these need to be avoided and dug around.

 

Trees on construction sites:

This is where most of our work takes place and with 20+ years of experience there is not much we have not previously encountered.

We aim to be commercially minded, with the aim of supporting the architect or builder to achieve the construction of property or wall with the minimum disruption to the site, whilst keeping the cost down for the needed works to enable the build to proceed smoothly.

If you need any advice on excavating or digging around trees or through their rootzone, please do phone or email. We aim to answer all calls within three rings and emails within the hour.

 

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Tree Health Survey

Tree Health Survey

Tree Condition Survey or Tree Risk Assessment

One of the main purposes of a tree health survey is to assess the safety of trees. This is to protect both people and property. They include examining the tree closely for any defects and disease. It is recommended that commercial property owners and homeowners undertake a tree health survey to ensure that any potential hazards can be identified and mitigated before any damage or harm is caused. 

Whatever the size of your site or the number of trees, we can offer you the guidance and tree safety advice you need. We work to British Standard BS 5837:2012 and our tree survey documents include information such as: 

  • tree species
  • measurements
  • tree age
  • overall health of the tree
  • life expectancy
  • management recommendations
tree health survey

 

 

Tree Surveys and Reports, Health of Your Trees

Your Legal Obligations

As a property owner, landlord, landowner or a commercial tenant, you have a legal obligation and a duty of care, to all those who may be affected by trees under your management. If you’re unsure which obligations these are, they are laid out in the Occupiers Liability Act (1984) and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). Guidance issued by the Government, the Forestry Commission and the 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. Monitoring the condition of a tree will help you proactively take appropriate action to reduce risks.

We offer the following ”Tree Health Survey” Options:

Option 1 – Hazard/Walkover or Preliminary Tree Condition Survey

This survey is a cost-effective way to survey a high volume of trees for potential hazards. This type of survey is a way to identify any trees that may pose a risk to people or property. The report will also ensure you have enough guidance and information to be able to successfully instruct a contractor who will be able to complete any arboricultural works that have been recommended. If you are restricted by budgets or are in a situation where the tree risk needs to be identified quickly e.g after extreme weather, then a walkover/hazard survey can be the ideal option.

Option 2 – Tree Condition Survey or Tree Risk Assessment

This survey involves examining the tree closely for defects and disease and will provide recommendations to help reduce risks. In some areas, for example near to schools or the public highway, a Tree Condition Survey needs to be carried out on a regular basis, usually annually, but preferably at different times of the year, because trees change through the seasons and different issues can become apparent at different times of the year. Monitoring the condition of a tree will help you proactively take appropriate action to reduce risks. In addition, there is an option to conduct wider analysis of soil and plant material to look for chemical imbalances or poisoning.

How We Can Help

At ProHort Ltd, we have a wealth of experience in horticultural, arboricultural, ecological and landscape development. We provide landscape plans, arboricultural surveys, ecological surveys and soil testing and analysis. We also provide a range of other reports detailed on our Services. 

 

ProHort Ltd recommends that you should carry out a tree health survey at least once every two years. If any damages were to occur (for example, a tree branch falling on your car) as well as possible injured individuals, claims against property may occur.

 If you require a tree health survey, then get in contact with us today to find out more information.

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Health of Your Trees, How To Check… Dead or Dormant?

Firstly, it is important to always check the health of your trees. Brown leaves, brittle branches, failing to produce fruit and wounds in the trunk are just a few of the signs that your tree may be suffering in silence. Additionally there are more extreme issues can include but are not limited to; smell of rotten wood and fallen branches or branches that are coming away from the tree. Therefore, early intervention is key to ensuring the survival of the trees in your garden.

Ways To Check The Health of Your Trees

The way to check the health of your tree firstly is to scratch the bark on the tree. If it is showing green growth underneath, this is evidence that the tree is still alive and may just be in a dormant state. This can be a particularly useful technique in long Winters and cold Springs for checking the health of the tree/trees if they are late blooming. Alternatively, if the bark is brown and brittle, there is a high chance that the tree, or at least that part of the tree, is dead.

 

If your tree is dormant, one way to improve its health and growth is to apply a tree specific feed. This can help your tree to grow to its full size and to live longer.

 

Tree Selection, Tree Surveys, Tree Preservation Orders
Tree Surveys and Reports, Health of Your Trees

How We Can Help!

Furthermore, if you are particularly concerned about your trees’ health and would like to have your trees assessed, ProHort Limited can provide you a tree survey. Designed to assess the general health of the trees, a tree survey is conducted by a qualified arboricultural surveyor. Upon completion of the survey, you will be provided with a detailed report stating the trees’ identity (common and Latin name), health, approximate age and estimated remaining contribution (i.e., how long the tree is likely to remain healthy). You can find out more about tree surveys on our service page!

If you would like to arrange for a feed to be applied to your tree, or for some expert advice from our arboricultural experts, why not get in contact? We look forward to hearing from you!

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Why Should I get a Tree Survey?

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