What Does a Tree Inspection Involve?

While it may seem like an unusual comparison, the importance of having your tree inspected can be likened to taking your pet to a vet when you suspect they are ill – you would only arrange for them to visit a fully qualified professional who knows the signs and symptoms to look out for, and the same is needed for the trees in your garden if their condition has deteriorated.

As shown in our previous article, ‘How to remove a tree stump’, at Artemis we believe it is important to explain the different types of tree work, so you know exactly what they entail should you require these services. In this edition, we will be explaining what a tree inspection involves, the types of tree surveys available, and who should carry them out.

What is a tree inspection?

Sometimes known as a tree risk survey, the aim of a tree inspection is to identify any problems with the tree which can put it, you or your property at risk. The objective of the inspection is twofold:

to check the current condition of the tree
to identify any potential issues with the tree which might arise in the near future

Who carries out a tree inspection?

All tree works must be carried out by a fully qualified arborist who has the experience and accreditations to conduct a thorough and detailed assessment.

Who is responsible for arranging a tree inspection?

It is sensible for any person who owns or manages the land where trees are situated to enlist the help of an arborist who will check that it is in a safe condition. For commercial settings, this might be an estate manager who requires an in-depth survey of the trees surrounding their properties, or a local council who have an obligation to protect the public, whilst also preserving the wide ranging environmental, ecological, social, economic and amenity benefits provided by trees.

Alternatively, homeowners who wish to learn more about the trees in their garden or who have noticed that the tree near their house isn’t looking as healthy as it once did, may decide to have their trees inspected.

What is included in a tree inspection?

As leading arborists, our tree surveys detail:

tree species (including scientific name)
measurements of trees
overall condition of trees and detailed observations of any issues found

Based on this information, we make management recommendations, and, where appropriate, attach tree tags to help locate the trees surveyed.

What are the different types of tree surveys/inspections?

Depending on budget and individual requirements, there are several types of tree surveys available:

Walk-Over Tree Survey

Most suitable for environments with a large number of trees, such as schools, parks and woodland areas, a walk-over tree survey is a visual inspection of all trees from ground level. The arborist will check for any areas with damage, cavities or decay, creating a report to detail any remedial work required and the timescales at which this needs to be carried out. In addition to being recorded in the report, any potentially hazardous trees will also be tagged.

As the most cost-effective option, this type of survey is most suitable for those with a large area of trees or limited budget.

Full Tree Survey

Compared with the walk-over tree survey, a full tree survey is conducted at a more detailed level. Each and every tree on the site will be assessed, and all works will be recorded within a comprehensive inventory.

This type of tree inspection is most suitable for a collection of trees which are being looked after for research, conservation or education purposes, or areas with a variety of tree species.

Climbed Tree Inspection

Following an initial inspection at ground level, in some instances defects spotted high up in the tree may require further investigation. In such cases, the arborist may recommend a climbed tree survey for a more detailed assessment. From this, they will produce a report to detail the findings, accompanied by photographic evidence and recommendations. Due to the safety precautions required for working at height, it’s imperative that this work is carried out by a qualified professional.

BS5837:2012 Tree Survey

Finally, this type of survey is required for those planning to alter their property or land which contains or is close to trees. This is most commonly applicable for trees on development sites or those requiring planning permission for works on their property, and assesses any potential restrictions caused by surrounding trees, such as rooting or the blocking of light. This is a British Standard for potential construction sites, and must be undertaken prior to any further work being carried out.

What services are available to fix any issues found in a tree inspection?

In the event that your tree survey flags an issue with your tree, your arborist will provide sound advice and recommendations on the remedial work required. From felling diseased or dangerous trees in conservation areas to simple removal of dead wood, there are myriad of options available to address any tree-related problems.

Here at Artemis Tree Services, we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of tree services, including the tree reports and BS5837 surveys listed in this article, along with tree pollarding, tree felling, tree maintenance and much more. As a CHAS-accredited and Arb-approved contractor, you can rest assured knowing that you have enlisted the help of experienced, fully qualified arborists when coming to us. For further information or to arrange an appointment, contact us today.

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Matt O'Neill

Very easy to deal with at both office & on-site. Good process flow from quoting through to invoice. Safe, professional & considerate staff when on-site too.... Very easy to deal with at both office & on-site. Good process flow from quoting through to invoice. Safe, professional & considerate staff when on-site too.

3 weeks ago

David

Very pleasant staff. Punctual and efficient. Carried out good job, communicated very well with neighbour, and cleaned up well. A fair price as well....

1 month ago

Doug

As a direct neighbour to tree felling and garden clearance work being carried out by Artemis yesterday in by Harrow, I can’t speak highly enough of their skill, hard work, considered approach and cour... As a direct neighbour to tree felling and garden clearance work being carried out by Artemis yesterday in by Harrow, I can’t speak highly enough of their skill, hard work, considered approach and courtesy. A great team who I would not hesitate to use myself.

Paul

I thought the Artemis team were absolutely brilliant. From coming to quote , prompt , and cutting back 2 oak trees they did a highly Professional and excellent job.... I thought the Artemis team were absolutely brilliant. From coming to quote , prompt , and cutting back 2 oak trees they did a highly Professional and excellent job.

2 months ago

Jill, Pinner

Efficient, thorough. Listened to what we wanted and carried out expertly. All v neat and tidy. Good job all round....

J M

Thank you Artemis for your excellent tree surgery work as part of ongoing maintenance over many years. The garden poses problems, but as ever the team were cheerful, efficient and everything was carri... Thank you Artemis for your excellent tree surgery work as part of ongoing maintenance over many years. The garden poses problems, but as ever the team were cheerful, efficient and everything was carried out exactly as planned. I shall continue to recommend Artemis.

Green hill housing

we have had work done with them and they do a wonderful job, from start to finish everything was perfect again, not a leaf leaf left behind, workmen were polite and professional.... we have had work done with them and they do a wonderful job, from start to finish everything was perfect again, not a leaf leaf left behind, workmen were polite and professional.

Jan

Artemis took down two lime trees who's roots had damaged the garage floor and were an inch away from the foundations of the house . The trees were in a very awkward place to get to but this didn't see... Artemis took down two lime trees who's roots had damaged the garage floor and were an inch away from the foundations of the house . The trees were in a very awkward place to get to but this didn't seem to trouble this highly competent team. The team were extremely well equipped , and they worked together like a well oiled machine. We were delighted with their work, tidiness and very pleasant manner. And it was at a fair price.

3 months ago

David Pooley

Excellent value, great work on a terrible day...good lads!...

Diana Stuckey

Excellent service with experienced people who did an excellent job of pruning my tree. Would definitely use them again....

4 months ago

Jonathan

Martin and Luke arrived on time They were polite and did the job to my total satisfaction and cleared up Took the time they said it would when they arrived Well done!... Martin and Luke arrived on time They were polite and did the job to my total satisfaction and cleared up Took the time they said it would when they arrived Well done!

Phil

Very professional job. The man in charge was excellent. Did the job exactly as we wanted it. Would highly recommend....

5 months ago

Anonymous

I have used Artemis a number of times and always feel confident that they offer an excellent service all the way through from the first visit to the final clearing up. They are knowledgeable, profess... I have used Artemis a number of times and always feel confident that they offer an excellent service all the way through from the first visit to the final clearing up. They are knowledgeable, professional and friendly. They do great job and I would highly recommend.

Friendly staff. Work carried out efficiently. Left the area clean and tidy. Would definitely recommend Artemis....

Chris

Artemis are very efficient, knowledgeable, professional and easy to deal with....

6 months ago

This was the first time we have used Artemis, and the whole process from initial enquiry through to completion was very easy. We would definitely recommend their services, and will be using them again... This was the first time we have used Artemis, and the whole process from initial enquiry through to completion was very easy. We would definitely recommend their services, and will be using them again I'm sure.

Natasha

Fantastic service from your team at Artemis. We needed a tree in our garden heavily crowned, having let it grow far too tall. We couldn’t be happier with the work done; the team were so professional, ... Fantastic service from your team at Artemis. We needed a tree in our garden heavily crowned, having let it grow far too tall. We couldn’t be happier with the work done; the team were so professional, really lovely and left our garden tidier than it was before they arrived. We won’t hesitate to recommend Artemis to anyone needing tree work done

7 months ago

Excellent service from first quote to final job. Very good communications and reminders so I knew exactly when they were arriving. Polite and hard working team who cleared up perfectly. Would definite... Excellent service from first quote to final job. Very good communications and reminders so I knew exactly when they were arriving. Polite and hard working team who cleared up perfectly. Would definitely recommend.

Ajay Lal

Efficient and effective service. On site team were polite and ensured the site was left clean and tidy....

From approval for the pruning to tidying up after they left, the team has been impeccably professional, pleasant and kind....

Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.... Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.