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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Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

4 days ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

5 days ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

1 week ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

1 week ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

1 month ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

2 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

2 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

3 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

3 months ago

Blake Lewis

The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.... The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.

4 months ago

Jo

Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the ar... Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the area tidy. Work carried out: Removal of deadwood

6 months ago

Savas Sivetidis

Good service all round, polite and efficient....

6 months ago

Declan McManus

Efficient, tidy and courteous service - I have used Artemis on a number of occasions and cannot think of any reason to change....

8 months ago

Gaby

Excellent service with polite considerate operators...

8 months ago

Anonymous

very professional, knowledgeable company. where able to provide advice and options as to needed to be done. Clean, tidy and polite...

8 months ago

John

Very professional We have used them a few times and would not go anywhere else...

8 months ago

Francis Emmanuel

This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with ... This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with what was suitable, scheduling of the work, the tree work itself, the disposal of the felled tree and invoicing. Very pleasant, smart, tidy and courteous.

8 months ago

Pools Sritharan

Excellent service from the initial contact to completion. Professional ans polite at all times. Many thanks for this wonderful experience. Regards Pools Sritharan 18, The Avenue, Potters Bar.... Excellent service from the initial contact to completion. Professional ans polite at all times. Many thanks for this wonderful experience. Regards Pools Sritharan 18, The Avenue, Potters Bar.

9 months ago

Wendy Fry

Very pleased with work done to prune large sycamore tree. Detailed quote provided same day as Billy came to inspect and advise. All work was done promptly, safely with no mess whatsoever. Would defini... Very pleased with work done to prune large sycamore tree. Detailed quote provided same day as Billy came to inspect and advise. All work was done promptly, safely with no mess whatsoever. Would definitely recommend this firm. Very professional from start to finish.

9 months ago

Chris Pooley

If you require any tree work done I can certainly recommend Artemis. The estimator Billy was great to deal with professional and gave great advice. We required a Laurel and Holly tree to be reduced i... If you require any tree work done I can certainly recommend Artemis. The estimator Billy was great to deal with professional and gave great advice. We required a Laurel and Holly tree to be reduced in height and shaped and several leylandia trees at the back of the garden to be reduced in height and tidied up.A detailed quote was provided within 24 hours. On the day of the scheduled work the crew arrived on time and Tom and Charlie did a fantastic job very courteous and making sure everything was left nice and tidy. I would have no hesitation in contacting them for any future work required this is an extremely well run business.

9 months ago

Wendy Farrell

Great service from the get go. Surveyor was brilliant and took his time advising me on the best value for money for the job. The two guys in the day were fab! Not a leaf was left for me to tidy up. K... Great service from the get go. Surveyor was brilliant and took his time advising me on the best value for money for the job. The two guys in the day were fab! Not a leaf was left for me to tidy up. Kirstie Harvey in the office is a legend! Cannot recommend this company highly enough.

9 months ago