THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR TREE SURVEYS FOR LANDOWNERS
A tragic incident in Southend-on-Sea has brought the importance of tree safety into sharp focus. On 28 June, a large cedar tree partially failed in Chalkwell Park, killing a 7-year-old girl and injuring four other children, one of them critically. The event has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider arboricultural industry, and it serves as a stark reminder of the serious duty of care held by all landowners and public authorities.
A Wake-Up Call for Tree Safety Management
While investigations into the cause of the tree failure are still ongoing, early commentary from arborists has pointed to potential causes such as Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome, which is a condition that can affect even healthy-looking trees during hot weather. Large, mature species like cedars are particularly susceptible. Regardless of the final findings, the tragedy has reignited conversations around risk management, tree inspections, and accountability.
As professionals in the industry, we strongly echo the sentiments expressed by many in the arboricultural community. While accidents can never be entirely prevented, the risks can and must be managed through proactive, qualified tree surveys carried out by trained professionals.
A Duty of Care That Cannot Be Overlooked
Whether you are a local authority, school, college, business, or private landowner, you have a legal duty of care to ensure that the trees on your property are not posing a risk to the public or to your staff. This is not simply a matter of best practice, but it’s a legal and moral responsibility.
Tree surveys carried out by qualified arboricultural professionals identify potential hazards such as:
With this information, landowners can take preventative steps, from pruning and bracing to full removal, if necessary, to ensure the safety of those around them.
Cost-Effective Risk Management
Some local authorities and organisations have been criticised for cutting back on tree inspections due to budget constraints.
However, the cost of a professional tree survey which is typically around £30 to £50 per tree, pales in comparison to the human and financial costs of a preventable accident. As seen in previous high-profile cases, councils have paid out hundreds of thousands and sometimes even millions in compensation following fatal tree failures.
Tree surveys should be conducted at least every two years, or more frequently in high-risk, high-traffic locations such as parks, school grounds, and roadside verges.
Safety and Conservation Go Hand in Hand
At Artemis Tree Services, we believe that effective tree management is not at odds with conservation. Trees are vital for our health, our environment, and our communities, but no tree is worth more than a life. Regular surveys allow trees to be retained and cared for in a responsible, sustainable way that puts public safety first.
Don’t Wait for a Tragedy
We urge all landowners, facilities managers, and councils to review their current tree inspection protocols and ensure they are up to date, documented, and carried out by qualified professionals. If you’d like advice on how often your trees should be surveyed or would like to book an assessment, our experienced team is here to help.
Let’s take proactive steps together, not reactive ones, to protect lives, preserve our trees, and ensure our shared spaces remain safe for everyone.
Find out more about our Tree Surveys.
