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]
Areas We Cover
We cover many areas across England and Wales. Click below to find out more.
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
What is a Tree Health Survey?
A Tree Health Survey is a professional inspection carried out by a qualified arboriculturist to assess the condition, safety and long term viability of trees. It identifies structural defects, disease, decay and environmental stress, and provides clear recommendations for management or remedial works.
When do I need a Tree Health Survey?
A Tree Health Survey is typically required where there are concerns about tree safety, visible decline, storm damage, or when trees are located near buildings, highways or development sites. It is also commonly requested by insurers, landowners and local planning authorities.
What does a Tree Health Survey include?
A standard Tree Health Survey includes:
- Visual Tree Assessment of structure and vitality
- Identification of pests, diseases and decay
- Assessment of structural stability and risk
- Recommendations for pruning, removal or monitoring
- A written report suitable for planning or insurance purposes
How do you check the health of a tree?
Tree health is assessed through a Visual Tree Assessment combined with professional judgement. This includes examining the crown, stem and root area, looking for signs such as dieback, fungal fruiting bodies, cavities, poor leaf growth and structural defects.
What are the common signs that a tree is unhealthy?
Typical warning signs include:
- Dead or dying branches
- Sparse or discoloured leaves
- Cracks or cavities in the trunk
- Fungal growth around the base
- Leaning or root plate movement
Early identification allows for proactive management before safety becomes an issue.
Can a Tree Health Survey identify tree diseases?
Yes. A Tree Health Survey can identify visible signs of disease and decay, such as fungal infections, bacterial issues and pest infestations. Where required, further specialist testing or laboratory analysis can be recommended.
How long does a Tree Health Survey take?
The duration depends on the number of trees and site complexity. A small residential survey may take one to two hours, while larger sites or estates may require a full day or more, followed by detailed report preparation.
Will I receive a report after the survey?
Yes. You will receive a clear, professional report outlining findings, risk levels and recommendations. Reports are suitable for submission to planners, insurers or for general land management decisions.
Is a Tree Health Survey required for planning applications?
Not always, but it is often requested where trees may pose a constraint or risk. Local Planning Authorities may require supporting arboricultural information, particularly where trees are protected or may be impacted by development. You can check specific requirements via your local authority, for example:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/
Can a Tree Health Survey determine if a tree is safe?
Yes. One of the key outcomes of a Tree Health Survey is to assess risk. The survey identifies structural weaknesses, likelihood of failure and potential targets, allowing informed decisions on whether a tree is safe, requires work, or should be removed.
How often should trees be inspected?
As a general guide, trees in high use areas should be inspected every one to three years, or sooner if there are visible changes, extreme weather events or ongoing concerns about safety.
What is the difference between a Tree Health Survey and a tree report for planning?
A Tree Health Survey focuses on condition, safety and management of existing trees. Planning reports, such as Arboricultural Impact Assessments, assess how development affects trees. While there is some overlap, they serve different purposes and should not be used interchangeably.
Can you inspect trees all year round?
Yes. Tree Health Surveys can be carried out throughout the year. However, certain conditions such as leaf cover or seasonal growth may influence how some issues are identified, and this is taken into account during assessment.
What happens if a tree is found to be dangerous?
If a tree is identified as posing a risk, clear recommendations will be provided. This may include pruning, further investigation or removal. Where trees are protected, appropriate permissions from the Local Planning Authority will be required before any work is carried out.
