Health and Condition Surveys

A Tree Health and Condition Survey is a professional arboricultural assessment that evaluates the health, structural condition and safety of one or more trees in a formal Tree Inspection.

The survey identifies visible defects, diseases, structural weaknesses and other factors that may affect tree safety or long-term management. Following the inspection, a clear written report is provided with practical recommendations to help you manage risk and make informed decisions regarding your trees as part of your Tree Risk Assessment.

Tree owners have a legal duty of care to manage their trees responsibly and take reasonable steps to identify foreseeable risks.

A professional tree survey can help:

• Identify potential hazards before they become serious problems.
• Demonstrate reasonable tree management.
• Support insurance requirements.
• Protect people, property and neighbouring land.
• Plan future maintenance works.
• Provide peace of mind.

During the inspection, we assess:

• Species identification
• Age and maturity
• Crown condition
• Deadwood
• Structural defects
• Cavities and decay
• Fungal activity
• Root condition
• Signs of pests and diseases
• Ash Dieback symptoms (Ash trees only)
• Targets and risk levels

Where required, recommendations may include monitoring, pruning works, further investigation or tree removal.

We believe arboricultural reports should be understandable.

Our reports are written in plain English while maintaining professional standards and providing the information necessary for insurers, property managers, local authorities and landowners.

Each report clearly identifies any concerns and provides prioritised management recommendations.

In some cases, a routine Tree Health and Condition Survey may identify defects, symptoms or areas of concern that require further investigation. A Detailed Tree Assessment provides a more in-depth inspection to better understand the condition of the tree and the level of risk presented.

Detailed assessments may be recommended where there are indications of:

• Decay or cavities within the stem or major limbs with decay detection equipment
• Fungal fruiting bodies
• Significant structural defects
• Root plate instability
• Storm damage
• Declining health or vitality
• High-value trees in sensitive locations

These inspections help determine whether a tree can be retained safely through appropriate management or whether more significant intervention may be required.

• Improved understanding of tree condition
• More informed management decisions
• Reduced risk to people and property
• Evidence-based recommendations
• Support for insurance and legal obligations
• Protection of valuable trees wherever Practicable

Trees are long-lived assets that benefit from proactive management rather than reactive work. A Long-Term Tree Management Plan provides a structured approach to maintaining trees in a safe, healthy and sustainable condition.

Management plans are tailored to the site and may be suitable for:

• Private estates
• Residential developments
• Schools and colleges
• Business parks
• Public open spaces
• Woodland sites
• Community groups and charities

Recommendations for cyclical pruning works, including:

• Deadwood removal
• Crown cleaning
• Crown lifting
• Crown reduction
• Formative pruning
• Veteran tree management

A planned programme of inspections based upon:

• Tree condition
• Occupancy levels
• Site use
• Species characteristics
• Previous findings

For newly planted trees, management plans can include:

• Watering schedules
• Mulching requirements
• Stake and tie inspections
• Establishment monitoring
• Early formative pruning

Recommendations may include:

• Mulch management
• Vegetation control
• Soil protection
• Root protection measures
• Prevention of compaction
• Management of surrounding land use

A well-prepared management plan helps maximise the benefits trees provide while reducing long-term maintenance costs and managing risk appropriately. By identifying works in advance, tree owners can budget effectively and ensure their trees continue to provide environmental, landscape and amenity value for many years.

Surveys are carried out by Richard Baron BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Tree Management, a LANTRA Professional Tree Inspector and professional member of the Arboricultural Association.

With experience in both consultancy and local authority tree management, we provide independent, practical and proportionate advice to homeowners, estates, businesses and land managers across South Wales and beyond.