Tree surveys are usually conducted for tree asset management with a general assessment of risk. Tree asset management surveys aim to deliver information about the condition and value of trees in a given area. The survey includes location, species, size, age, condition, and maintenance requirements for all trees on a site. This information assists in allocating budgets and resources for ongoing tree care and management. 

Tree inspections take a closer 360-degree examination of one or more individual trees, often as a result of something observed during a tree survey and involving the use of hand tools to determine certain conditions e.g., hollowness, with more in-depth tree risk assessments done to identify potential hazards posed by the tree.  The assessment considers the condition of the tree, including its structural integrity, proximity to people and property, and the likelihood of failure.

Tree diagnostics or investigations are highly specialised and detailed studies of a particular issue with a tree (i.e., decay) that often use specialised equipment to get accurate readings of a tree’s internal structural and/or physiological condition.  Tree diagnostic tests can help determine with strong confidence whether important trees represent an unacceptable level of risk and can inform what the correct level of management procedure would be to mitigate that risk.  The results are often used to demonstrate to stakeholders the reasons why certain somewhat controversial measures have been taken.

CGAC are specialists in all three of these areas and have international experience with a range of survey, inspection and diagnostic testing equipment.

A BS 5837 tree report is a document that assesses the impact of development on existing and proposed trees and provides guidance on how to manage them within the development site. It is a standard process that is used in the UK by architects, developers, builders, and local authorities to ensure that trees are protected during construction work and that new developments are designed in consideration of the existing trees.

The report will typically include one or more parts including,

Tree Constraints Plans (TCP) – A way to spatially present to the developer any Arboricultural constraints that were identified in order to inform the design process as to what part of a site is considered developable and what parts might need to be reserved in the interests of trees and amenity.

Tree Protection Plans (TPP) – A way to spatially present where tree protection barriers are to be sited around any trees to be retained in order to preserve them for the benefit of the final post construction design.

Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) – A report, frequently required by local planning authorities (LPAs), identifying the impacts that might arise from a certain design proposal.

Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS) – Where a design incurs Arboricultural impacts an AMS informs how they might be mitigated or compensated for.

The report will also identify any trees that may need to be removed and provide guidance on replanting to ensure that the site maintains adequate tree cover after construction is completed.

A BS 5837 tree report is essential for obtaining planning permission for any development that may affect trees, ensuring that the development is sustainable and environmentally responsible.  By commissioning this report, developers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development.

An Arboricultural Mortgage report provides detailed information about trees or vegetation that may impact the property value or pose a risk to the property.  The report may include tree attributes and site location information and the potential risks associated with them, such as falling branches or root damage to buildings or underground utilities.

Mortgage lenders may request such reports as part of their due diligence process to assess the potential risks that may impact the property’s value and the safety of occupants.  Additionally, homeowners may commission an Arboricultural Mortgage report as part of their own assessment of the value and potential risks of their property, particularly if they plan to sell or make changes to the property or its landscaping.

Tree insurance reports are often needed for insurance claims to assess the risk posed by trees or to investigate the cause of damage to property or harm to people.  Although trees add value to landscapes and the environment, there are ways in which trees can cause harm such as through structural tree failure, indirect damage i.e., subsidence, and direct damage i.e., contact with neighbouring properties.  A tree survey helps identify potential hazards or defects in trees that may increase their risk of falling and causing damage.  Having a tree survey and report completed before an event that causes damage provides insurers with documented evidence to justify claims and identify potential liability.

A woodland management plan is a document that outlines the goals, objectives, and actions needed to manage a woodland area sustainably. It typically includes information about the land, such as its size, location and type of vegetation, as well as details of any resources and potential threats to the land.

A woodland management plan is important for individuals or organizations who own or manage woodland areas as it helps to ensure that the land is managed in a sustainable way. This can involve the planting of new woodland, harvesting of timber and managing wildlife habitats. A plan can help to guide decision-making regarding the appropriate course of action for the woodland, given the resources and requirements of the surrounding area. It can also help to improve the biodiversity of the land and prevent damage to its ecosystem by ensuring actions are taken in the right way at the right time. Overall, a woodland management plan can help to promote the long-term sustainability and health of the woodland.

Ecological land assessments are important tools used to examine the ecological habitat of a specific area and identify any potential environmental impacts of a development project. A preliminary ecological assessment (PEA) is typically the first stage of the assessment process, focusing on identifying any protected or notable species present in the area and determining their potential habitat. Bat and badger habitat assessments are more specific assessments that examine the potential impact of a project on these particular protected species.

You might need an ecological land assessment for several reasons, including compliance with environmental legislation or planning regulations. Depending on the results of the assessment, it may be necessary to modify the proposed development to minimize its impact on the local environment or undertake additional surveys or mitigation measures to protect particular species or areas of habitat. Ultimately, an ecological land assessment can help ensure that any development project is sustainable and minimizes its impact on the environment. CGAC has access to high level professional ecologists who can fulfil your project needs, why not contact us for advice and a free no obligation quotation.

Veteran and ancient tree assessment

The process of preserving and maintaining trees that have reached an advanced age or have cultural/historical significance is known as veteran and ancient tree management.  This type of management should be informed by specialised assessment techniques and tools, combined with knowledge of the particular species of tree and its ecosystem.  Effective veteran and ancient tree management are essential for preserving our natural heritage and maintaining healthy ecosystems.  By ensuring that these trees are well-managed and protected, we can ensure that they continue to provide benefits such as carbon sequestration, habitat and biodiversity, and cultural and aesthetic values for generations to come.

Who is this service for?

A CGAC veteran and ancient tree assessment would be needed by anyone responsible for managing trees that are considered to be veterans or ancient.  This might include land managers, local councils, heritage organizations, and individuals who own land with significant trees.  Our specialist assessment would evaluate the current health and structure of the tree, identify potential risks or hazards, and provide recommendations for preservation and management strategies. 

Tree diagnostics and investigations

The assessment of specific tree concerns often requires the use of advanced knowledge and specialised tree diagnostic techniques and equipment to confidently apply management recommendations.  For example, advanced decay detection techniques involve the use of specialized equipment such as sonic tomography, resistance drill, and ground-penetrating radar to identify defects inside trees, while tree root stability might use static pull tests or dynamic loading to assess the root plate. These methods are preferred over traditional visual inspection as they provide detailed information about the internal structure of trees, including the location, extent, and severity of decay or the anchorage capability of below-ground tree root systems.

Who is this service for?

A CGAC tree diagnostic assessment and report may be required by domestic and commercial clients alike.  Commercially, clients include arborists, landowners, property managers, and municipal authorities responsible for public spaces with trees.  The advanced decay detection techniques provide valuable information for risk assessment and decision-making related to tree health, maintenance, and removal.  It can help avoid catastrophic tree failure which can lead to property damage, injury or loss of life, or provide evidence that an important tree may safely be retained.  Overall, using advanced decay detection and or root stability techniques is highly recommended for anyone responsible for managing trees to ensure the safety and longevity of trees while preserving their ecological and aesthetic value.

Management and field identification of exotic tree pests and diseases

CGAC have unique, real world experience in this field, with several years spent implementing management plans in the New York City area for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB), Oak Wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum) amongst other exotics yet to be discovered in the United Kingdom. 

Who is this service for?

CGAC are happy to liaise with agencies involved in the prevention, control and management of any of the aforementioned or other exotic pests and diseases currently found in the north-eastern USA. We can arrange trainings, talks and field identification sessions to enable the targeted use of resources for positive identification in the lab.