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.
A Tree Health Survey evaluates the structural and physiological condition of a tree by assessing:
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.
You may need one if you’ve noticed:
A Tree Health Survey provides clear, risk-based recommendations.
Assessment grounded in visible symptoms and structural behaviour.
Recommendations aligned to actual defect significance.
Clear evidence for retention, pruning or justified removal.
Plain-English explanations of defects and impacts.
| 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. |
Tree health influences planning decisions under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.
LPAs may request evidence to understand:
Unclear condition assessments can lead to delays, queries or revised designs.
A clear, practical assessment of tree condition:
Need an invertebrate survey? We’ll confirm what’s required and align survey windows with your programme.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]
We cover many areas across England and Wales. Click below to find out more.
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.
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.
A standard Tree Health Survey includes:
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.
Typical warning signs include:
Early identification allows for proactive management before safety becomes an issue.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
