Tree Safety Reports
in London
Tree Safety Reports: Essential Information You Need
London`s trees bring significant environmental, aesthetic and social value to our lives, but they also require responsible management. A Tree Safety Report is an expert evaluation designed to assess the condition, safety and potential risks associated with trees to the immediate surrounding area. These reports are vital for schools, premises managers and homeowners, particularly in scenarios involving insurance claims or disputes with neighbours.
What is a Tree Safety Report?
A Tree Safety Report provides a professional assessment of trees’ health and safety. It identifies hazards such as structural weaknesses within the trees structure, decay and diseases as well as assessing a trees vitality and offers recommendations for addressing these issues.
We are typically asked to conduct these assessments to:
- Meet your legal responsibilities as a person responsible for trees on your property or premises.
- Address safety concerns for stakeholders or neighbours.
- Facilitate dispute resolution or insurance requirements.
Why are Tree Safety Reports Crucial?
Unsafe trees can pose significant risks to people, property and infrastructure if not properly managed. A tree safety report will not only note hazards or potential risks posed by trees that you own but will also keep you legally compliant.
Proactive tree management plan will identify potential issues early, reducing the potential of injury or harm caused by trees.
This approach also demonstrates responsible stewardship and adherence to Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, “landowners and occupiers have a duty of care to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe while on their premises”.
This extends to managing trees to prevent foreseeable risks, such as falling branches or unstable structures, which could cause harm. A proactive tree management plan helps demonstrate compliance with this legal responsibility, mitigating potential liabilities.
Legal accountability, as property owners or premises managers you are obligated to ensure any trees within a property or premises do not present hazards to others.
A Tree Safety Report demonstrates responsible tree management. It is a legal requirement for schools to have a tree safety report because they owe a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the safety of children, staff and visitors on their premises.
Trees on school grounds can pose risks, such as falling branches or structural failure, which could lead to serious injury or property damage.
Regular tree safety inspections and reports demonstrate that the school has taken reasonable steps to identify and mitigate potential hazards, helping to ensure compliance with these legal obligations and reducing the risk of liability in the event of an incident.
Tree Safety Report for Schools
Components of a Tree Safety Report for Schools
We offer a wide range of tree surveys and reports, all tailored to meet your specific needs. Each service is carried out by an experienced tree consultant who understands the complexities of tree management and planning compliance. Below is a breakdown of the services we provide:
Risk
analysis
highlights areas where trees may present risks, particularly in high-traffic zones such as playgrounds or pathways and car parks.
Actionable
recommendations
with specific measures, such as pruning, removal or monitoring to address potential risks.
Detailed, professional
report writing
with timeline of actionable tree management allowing for sites to manage budgets.
Tree Safety Reports for Premises Managers
Premises managers are tasked with maintaining safe and well-kept premises, including the management of trees.
Why do Premises Managers Need Tree Safety Report?
Safety Assurance ensures trees do not endanger employees or visitors.
Risk Mitigation Identifies and addresses potential hazards posed by trees to minimise legal claims and accidents.
Property Value Preservation, Healthy, well-maintained trees enhance the aesthetic and financial value of a property or premises as well as the wellbeing of those that use the area.
Tree Safety Reports for Homeowners
With over 20% of London trees growing in residential gardens, trees do not only add a landscape value to a road or property but also a monetary value to a home, but they may also become a source of concern and conflict. Our Tree Safety Report provides homeowners with clear guidance and peace of mind.
When Do Homeowners Need a Tree Safety Report?
Neighbour
Disputes
A report can help resolve disagreements over perceived tree hazards where one party perceives your tree as being a risk to their property; our professional tree safety reports can defuse such disagreements.
Post-Storm
Assessment
After severe weather, a report can identify any damage or risks posed by weakened trees. Some of the signs and symptoms may not be visable, our tree consultants are trained to identify these signs and have all undertaken a professional tree inspection course amongst other tree safety related courses.
Preventative
Maintenance
Regular inspections ensure trees remain healthy and safe.
What will be included in my Tree Safety Report?
Site overview / tree location aerial map: Details the location of trees and images of trees relative to buildings or public areas.
Tree Condition / Risk Evaluation: Identifies tree structural issues, tree health, decay detection and diseases that can compromise a trees long term contribution; also noting each tree species, age, and height and canopy spread of each tree.
Assessment of use around the target area of the tree: This aids in management decision making for trees that are in decline or in need or tree maintenance work.
Assessment of Property Risks: Evaluates whether trees threaten nearby structures or utilities.
Boundary Issues: Addresses concerns about encroaching branches or roots that affect neighbours.
Actionable Advice: Recommends specific steps to address issues, from tree maintenance to tree removal along with an actionable timeline for works to be carried out.
How Often Should I Get Tree Safety Report?
The frequency of tree safety assessments depends on several factors, including tree age, site usage and environmental conditions.
High-Use Areas (Schools, Public Spaces): Annual inspections are advisable, although we can advise further on this once, we have a full site address.
Residential Properties: Inspections every 5+ years are usually sufficient unless risks arise or you have trees that are in decline or an over mature tree like a veteran or ancient tree.
Post-Storm Assessments: Immediate evaluations are recommended following severe weather events. This will be standard practice for London’s Royal Parks and Kew Gardens.
Selecting a Qualified Arboricultural Consultant
Choosing the right tree consultant in London ensures you receive an accurate and reliable Tree Safety Report that is meticulously and professionally prepared, provides detailed insights into the health, condition, and structural integrity of your trees. This report not only helps identify potential risks or hazards but also ensures compliance with Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 & 1984 – Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 that aids in effective management planning, and supports informed decision-making for property or premises management or development projects.
Look for consultants who:
- Hold recognised qualifications, such as LANTRA professional tree inspector, level 4 diploma in arboriculture or equivalent certifications.
- Are affiliated with reputable organisations like the Arboricultural Association.
- Have experience in the specific context of your property’s requirements from tree safety reports – tree reports and tree surveys for building / planning.
