Basic Tree Survey and Inspections

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Basic Tree Survey and Inspection  by Jamie's Garden Services

Overview in brief:  

The aim of a basic ‘Basic Tree Survey and Inspection’ is to identify hazardous trees, which is a vital part of safely managing your property, or property that you have control of. This is especially important if the public, or staff, tenants etc have access or a right of way through an area you legally own, or have control. 



Should a tree fail at any point, you could be liable for compensation if: • Someone was injured or killed. (ie; Staff, Resident, Tennant, Guest, Member of the Public etc).
• Damage was done to someone’s property (ie; Building, Car, Fence etc).  

It is often a requirement of any property, or facility insurance policy that the property is well maintained for the policy to be effective under the terms of the policy. Failure to do so may affect any claim you make in the event something goes wrong.  

For businesses, commercial & private landlords, local authorities, land owners. You have a duty of care for people accessing your land or property.   

It is often a difficult aspect to control, because trees can fail for any number of reasons, and at any given point. However you can help manage the issue.  For businesses and commercial premises, this also comes under the Health and Safety at Work Act. You therefore have to be in a position to prove that you have shown ‘Due Diligence’.  

This can be be done in a number of ways. 


• You can have regular ‘Basic Tree Survey and Inspection’ undertaken by a third party.


• You can have a ‘designated person of responsibility’ to do a brief documents inspection of any trees that you have on your site after an ‘exceptional circumstance’.

• An ‘exceptional circumstance’ would be an event such as:


  - High Winds.


  - Storms.


  - Lightening. They would be looking for any signs of damaged, broken, cracked limbs, or limbs that have broken and are still hung-up in the tree and could fall onto a passer-by.  

Everyone loves having trees around them and people can become very passionate about trees in their local area. Trees also provide a wealth of benefits for people, the local environment, surrounding habitat, and local wild life.  

Benefits that Trees Provide:  

• They produce Oxygen. 

• Soaks Up and Stores Carbon and Carbon Dioxide. 

• They clean the air we breath. 

• Help to absorb surface water. 

• They  provide cool spaces and shade to help keeping things cool. 

• A provided habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. 

• They're good for peoples mental health and wellbeing.  

The problem that trees provide is also at time equal to the benefits: 

• Trees are living organisms. 

• They are prone to becoming ill, diseased, rotten, damaged. 

• People and animals can can cause direct or indirect damage. 

• The environment surrounding trees can also play a major role in the trees health, or lack of health. 

• Strong winds and gales can also affect trees by:


  -  Blowing them over or breaking the structural integrity (Known as Wind-Blown Damage)


  -  Up-Rooting them, fully or impart. (Known as Wind-Blown & Up-Rooted)  

There is no saying at what point a tree will fall in some way. 



So what will a Basic Tree Survey and Inspection give me?



When Jamie’s Garden Services undertakes a Basic Tree Survey and Inspection. I like to view the trees when they are in leaf and when they are not in leaf. This means that two site visits will be required. 



The reason for this is so that when the tree is in leaf, you can get a good feel for the general health of the tree. ie, is it flourishing? Or is it struggling and suffering for some reason?  

When the tree has shed its leaves, you can get a good clear view of what is happening with the overall structure of the tree. 


• Are the cracks in limbs or joints?  

• Is there any Squirrel Damage?  

• Is there any rot, fungal infections, dead limbs? 

• Is there any damage to areas of bark?



At this point you can start to: 

• Identify hazardous trees. 

•Assess any health and safety risks. 

• Identify trees that may require work undertaking for a number of reasons. 

• Decide on an appropriate course of action. 

• Collect and maintain adequate information.  

What will I get if I commission Jamie’s Garden Services to undertake a Basic Tree Survey and Inspection?



You will get a document that will:


• Identify who has inspected your trees. 

• When they were inspected. 

• A site plan that will identify what species the tree is and a location. 
  

   (Note: The site plan will not be to scale, but will be a good guide to its location). 

• It will give an approximate height and dimension of the stem at approximately 1m above the ground. 

• It will give a general opinion as to the trees visual health and appearance. 

• It will try and identify any visual defects, weaknesses, and issues that pose a risk.

  
(It should be noted that if any issue poses an immediate risk you will be notified immediately, prior to the report being submitted). 

• Any Action that is required. 
 

What are the limitations and scope of the surveys?

The report supplied will have limitations as well.  This is because it is a report of what is seen at the time of the inspection. (ie: it is a bit like a cars MOT. It might be deemed safe at the time of inspection. But it can’t guarantee that something won’t fail at some point immediately after the inspection, or before the next inspection). This is also a direct reflection of how a Basic or Full Tree Survey and Examination report is relevant to the trees being inspected.      

The Basic Tree Survey and Examination will throw up any issues that are evident at the point it is undertaken, within the constraints in which it is undertaken.      

A customer should be aware that ‘NO Liability or Guarantee’ is offered in any from as a result of Jamie’s Garden Services undertaking a Basic Tree Survey and Examination, and supplying a report. This is because the author of such a report has no control over the tree or trees being reported on. 

What the report will hopefully do is highlight potential issues that could arise as a result from visible aspects of a trees condition, that could cause an issue of risk. The report is a facility of due diligence to assist in the management of the prevention of potential risks becoming an incident.   

Jamie's Garden Services undertakes 'Basic Tree Survey and Inspection'  in the Mid Wales area covering the Towns of Llandrindod Wells -  LD1 , Rhayader - LD6, Builth Wells - LD2, Llanbister - LD1,  Newbridge on Wye  - LD1, Llanidloes  - SY18

For the Full Terms and conditions in relation to a Basic Tree Survey and Inspection. Click Here: 

Terms and Conditions for the Engagement of Business.

For Undertaking A Basic Tree Survey and Examination:    

Definition of the scope of the survey:  

The Basic Tree Survey and Examination is designed as an interim inspection of trees on a defined site, or location. This inspection is to help manage the risks that might occur. This inspection should be undertaken and documented on an annual basis. However, should an exceptional circumstance occur, then a brief visual inspection for damage should also be undertaken.  

An exceptional circumstance would consist of the following:

- Storms.

- Strong Wind and Gales.

- Electrical Storms.  

A Basic Tree Survey and Examination should not be confused with a Full Tree Survey and Examination that would be much more in-depth. This should be done every 3-5x years, or on advice if it would warrant being done at shorter intervals due to the condition of the trees.



The interval between Full Tree Inspections will be dependant on a number of factors:


- The condition of trees.

- The level of risk.

- Management of good practice.

- Additionally; It could be a stipulation of insurance conditions.  

Assessment of the condition of trees:  

A Basic Tree Survey and Examination would consist of the following:


- A site visit for the inspection to take place.

- Each tree will be identified.

- A basic visual inspection of each identified tree from the ground will be undertaken, with some aspects being done with the aid of visual devices if needed. (ie; Binoculars).

- Each tree will be inspected for the following:

   - Its general appearance and health.

   - Signs that the tree is suffering from the effects of other trees around it. 

   - Signs of the trees being affected by external influences (ie; Chalara fraxinea/Ash Dieback in Ash trees). - Faults or aspects of the tree that could pose a risk. 

   - Dead wood; limbs, branches, stems.

   - Visible signs of external fungus that could identify issues that could be occurring within the tree.

   - Signs of splits, cracks, or decay in the tree where stems fork from one main stem into two or more stems.

   - Detached branches that are hung up in the tree.

     (Known as; Hang-ups or Widow-Makers, because if they fall and hit someone it could kill them).

- If any roots are above ground, or have become exposed, and they have been damaged .

- A basic report will then be supplied to the customer, detailing any issues or risks that have been observed that will need following up. 

Planning and preparation for a Basic Tree Survey and Examination: 

I would advise that the Basic Tree Survey and Examination is undertaken in two phases at different times of the year, for the following reasons:

- A Winter inspection:  

   - This is because the tree will be without leaf and the health of the trees’ stems and branches will be more easily visible due to the lack 
of canopy. (This obviously won’t apply to evergreen species like conifers etc). 

   - This inspection is mainly looking at the integrity of the structure of the tree.

- A Summer inspection
.

   - This is because the tree will be in full leaf and the health of the trees’ canopy will be visible. 


   - This cursory inspection is mainly looking of the general health of the tree.


     (Example: Ash Dieback is most visible in the leaves not looking healthy on the ends the branches or the total lack of their presence 
altogether).   

The Winter inspection will be the main inspection and the report will be based on that inspection. The Summer inspection will be added into the Winter inspection findings, unless an issue is noted. If such an issue is noted, then the customer needs to be informed prior to the full report that is based on the Winter inspection.



Jamie’s Garden Services will charge for the single report that covers both phases of the inspection process. 


Tree Risk Management:  

The basis of the Basic Tree Survey and Examination is to help mitigate the risks between the Full Tree Inspections. 


The aims of the Basic Tree Survey and Examination is to:

- Mitigate the risks faced from having trees on a site.

- Identify new potential risks that could arise.


- Help to ensure that new risks are managed correctly.

- Highlight the level of risk and who or what is at risk.

- Ensure that a risk assessment is kept up to date and is continually assessed.  

- Help to prevent risks from becoming accidents.

- Keep a documented record to prove that due-diligence has been undertaken.

- Ensure that best practice has been maintained for site management.  

Limitations of a Basic Tree Survey and Examination:  

It is important that a customer understands the limitations of a Basic Tree Survey and Examination. What a subsequent report will tell them.  

Trees are a living species and they will do their own thing regardless of how we manage them. They are also affected by the environment that they occupy.   

They can be affected by a whole host of wide ranging aspects.  

- Their own health.

- Their own ability to survive and flourish in the environment they occupy.

- Their accessibility to light (ie: other trees preventing them from getting enough quality light)

- The ground they are rooted in, soil, water content, developments around them.

- Pollutants and contaminations.

- Bacterial and funguses.

- Weather; ie Storms, electrical / lightening, strong winds, weight of snow on them etc.

- Infestations of insects.

- Animal damage; ie Squirrels, Birds etc.

- Damage from human activity.  

The report supplied will have limitations as well.  This is because it is a report of what is seen at the time of the inspection. (ie: it is a bit like a cars MOT. It might be deemed safe at the time of inspection. But it can’t guarantee that something won’t fail at some point immediately after the inspection, or before the next inspection). This is also a direct reflection of how a Basic or Full Tree Survey and Examination report is relevant to the trees being inspected.  

The Basic Tree Survey and Examination will throw up any issues that are evident at the point it is undertaken, within the constraints in which it is undertaken. 

A customer should be aware that ‘NO Liability or Guarantee’ is offered in any from as a result of Jamie’s Garden Services undertaking a Basic Tree Survey and Examination, and supplying a report. This is because the author of such a report has no control over the tree or trees being reported on. What the report will hopefully do is highlight potential issues that could arise as a result from of visible aspects of a trees condition, that could cause an issue of risk. The report is a facility of due diligence to assist in the management of the prevention of potential risks becoming an incident. 

 If an issue is identified when a Basic Tree Survey and Examination is undertaken. Then the course of action required will be advised. This could be in the form of the subsequent actions being taken:

- An issue being identified and it will need:

- Monitoring.

- It will need further investigation by accessing the tree.

- It will need a more qualified person to investigate.

- It will need some form of direct action being required.

- It is advised that direct action is required immediately or as soon as reasonably expected.    

  (There could be a direct relationship to what the risk level is to how quickly a resolve needs to be implemented).





Action Priority: (High, Medium, Low) 

- High:   A tree is in poor condition with significant defects that poses a risk to people, or adjacent to a high value target, or a tree  
in a moderate condition adjacent to a very high value target in need of action immediately or very soon.

- Medium: A tree with defects adjacent to a medium value target, needing planning and reasonable response. - Low: A tree with limited defects or defects that you wish to be checked as you are unsure about their significance to a low 
valued target.  

Note: Target: This means items, property, building, vehicles, facilities or any other item that has some form of value in an area 
that would be affected of there was a failure in the integrity of the structure of the tree.  

Should an issue be spotted and notified to a customer. Then it will be the customers responsibility to address the issue highlighted. Should no action be taken, this will be down to the customers own decision.   

Should a direct action of work be required. Then Jamie’s Garden Services may be able to advise and effect a solution, because Jamie is also qualified to undertake tree surgery.  

Should an issue be highlighted with a tree. The customer needs to understand that it is impossible to say at what point an issue will become a failure. This is because of a number of factors and the environmental elements that will affect a tree, could cause a sudden change of circumstance that results in a failure happening.  

In areas where there is a risk of high public or staff access, high valued items in a risk zone. Then it is advised that a cursory inspection should be continually undertaken, especially if an occurrence of an exceptional circumstance has taken place.  

You might therefore want to delegate a person of responsibility to undertake cursory inspections on a regular basis. This need not take long in most circumstances as the person is just looking for obvious issues. 

- Immediate damage or cracks in the tree.

- Broken limbs or detached limb that are hung up in the tree.
 - T

- This will further show due diligence and good practice by the site owner or manager.
 

The Basic Tree Survey and Examination Report:



Tree Number:This will identify the tree on a site plan (and tree tag if installed).  

Species:  Botanical or Common Name.  

Height: The trees approximate height measured from the base to the top of the crown. This will be measured in metres.  

Trunk Diameter: The approximate Trunk Diameter measured in millimetres at a point of approximately 1m to 1.5m from the ground. 

Condition:

Good: Healthy, full crown, long life expectancy, no significant defects.

Fair: Generally healthy, some thinning of the crown, some defects of low significance, limited life expectancy. 

Poor: Lacking vigour, short life expectancy, sparse leaf cover, significant defects. Dangerous/Dead: Urgent Removal Required.  

Action Required: This will be identified with a straight ‘Yes or No’.   

Action Priority: High, Medium or Low. - See above  Note:

If the Action column says ‘No’, provide comments to justify leaving the tree for a specified period before further inspection 


(only trees in ‘Good’ condition will automatically justify ‘No’ in the Action Column).  

Engagement:

Engagement of services is classed as acceptance of any terms and conditions of service.   

You confirm that you agree to the costs laid out in the estimate.  

You also confirm that you are the owner of this property and the trees.  

You have the legal right to authorise this the work.

You are happy for the contractor to access the property to proceed with the work.  

You further understand that payment in full is due within 7x days of the work being completed.
 

If for any reason any agreed services supplied, or to be supplied is interrupted  as a result of unforeseen circumstances (illness, accident, death etc). The customer accepts that there is no warranty,  liability, or compensation offered.

Updating Terms and Conditions:

Jamie Jones / Jamie’s Garden Services reserves the right to change and amend any terms and conditions without  prior notice, at any time in accordance with its business trading activity.

I would advise that all customers read, access and print out a copy of the terms and conditions that they are agreeing to, when an estimate or tender is supplied.

Commissioning: 

I hope that you find this estimate or tender acceptable and look forward to undertaking your work. Please let me know at the earliest by email if you wish me to undertake the work outlined. 

If you are happy with this estimate or tender, and want to proceed with commissioning me to undertake your required work. Please sign and return a copy of this estimate as confirmation. Without a signed confirmation work will not start. Alternatively you can email your authorisation commissioning me and agreeing to these terms and conditions with the completed below authority. 

Yours sincerely 

Jamie Jones

Commissioning of work to be undertaken: 

I/We, .................................................................................................................... , of,

Position: ..............................................................................................................

Company: .............................................................................................................. (if applicable)

Address ...................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................
 

Post Code ................................................... 

Authorise you to undertake the work outlined in the above estimate or tender, and agree to the terms and conditions.

 I /We also give authorisation for you to have access to the property for the purposes of undertaking such activities. 

I/we have a lawful right as the owners, or the person of responsibility to commission the outlined work in this estimate to be undertaken.

Signed: ……………………………………………………
 

Date:....................../ ………………/…………….