Tree surveys are required by law for several reasons in Thirsk, and it can be difficult to figure out which type of survey is needed and when. It's also not always clear what is involved, who is responsible for arranging a tree survey in Thirsk, and who pays the costs.
If you have been asked to arrange a survey or you're not sure whether one is necessary or not, Tree Surgeon Pro can answer all of your questions.
Tree Surgeon Pro's professional tree surveyors in Thirsk are qualified to undertake tree surveys of all kinds, whatever the reason.
Here's a brief overview of the different surveys required, what they involve, and who might be expected to arrange one:
The purpose of this tree survey is to establish the tree's health and condition. This helps us to identify any diseases and assess what action should be taken. We can also check if there are any potential hazards or structural problems.
The tree survey process includes:
Property owners, businesses, or land managers in Thirsk with trees on their land are legally responsible for ensuring their trees do not pose a risk to people or property. Therefore, tree owners are expected to arrange for a 'health and safety' tree survey to minimise the risk of damage or injury.
However, this type of survey is aimed at improving the tree's health in the long term rather than the health and safety implications.
This stands for British Standard 5837, and it relates to any planning application or development site where nearby trees may be affected by construction.
The aim is to ensure that the trees present in the area are protected during the proposed development, and after the work has been completed.
The survey - also called an Arboricultural Impact Assessment - involves the following aspects:
This type of survey is usually arranged by architects, developers and planning consultants as part of their planning application requirements.
A TPO survey will check for protected trees in the area, as any tree work is restricted by these legal orders.
This involves searching the records held by the local planning authorities to see whether a tree or group of trees are within a conservation area or covered by an individual TPO. If they are protected trees, then consent will be required for any work to be carried out.
A Tree Preservation Order Survey is typically requested by property owners or contractors intending to undertake any kind of tree work.
Also known as a Homebuyer Tree Survey or Arboricultural Survey, this is a special tree inspection to assess the potential risks posed by trees to a particular property. The main aim is to check for any signs that the tree is affecting (or will affect) the structural integrity of the building, whether through subsidence or damage.
Our professional tree consultants will:
This type of survey is usually arranged by home buyers/sellers, mortgage lenders, and property surveyors.
This option is similar to the tree condition survey described above, but the focus here is on mitigating any risks to public health or damage to property.
As such, the survey is generally conducted on trees in areas with a high public footfall or those in close proximity to buildings (such as roads, public footpaths, parks, schools, etc,).
Our completed tree report will highlight any potential hazards, such as imminent tree failure, disease, or damage that could put people or property at risk. It will also recommend any required actions to make the trees safe, such as pruning, crown reduction, or the installation of tree motion sensors (to monitor movement in strong winds).
At Tree Surgeon Pro, we’re passionate about delivering exceptional tree care services tailored to your needs. With years of experience, certified expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re your trusted partner for all things tree surgery.
Tree surveys must be conducted by qualified, professional tree surveyors in order to be valid.
This includes specialists in tree management who hold formal qualifications in arboriculture, such as a diploma at levels 4, 5 or 6 (or equivalent). They should also be members of the Arboricultural Association (AA) or Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF).
Ideally, they will hold a certificate in specific tree risk assessment methods, such as a LANTRA qualification or Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA).
Many tree surgeons are also qualified to undertake tree surveys, although practical work is their primary focus (pruning, felling, clipping, maintenance, etc.). Even so, they are often more than capable of carrying out any tree survey required, provided they hold the relevant qualifications.
At Tree Surgeon Pro in Thirsk, we invest in our tree surgeons and arborists to ensure they are competent and qualified tree surveyors.
Did you know that there are approximately 3 billion trees in the UK, covering about 13% of the total land area? Very few members of the general public are aware of this, and fewer still realise that trees are protected by several laws, including the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
In addition, individual trees or areas of woodland may be subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), with stiff penalties attached for any breaches of the law. Carrying out work on a tree protected by a TPO can result in a fine of £20,000. However, as it's a criminal offence (rather than a civil offence), it could go to the Crown Court, meaning that an unlimited fine can be imposed.
If you're unsure about the laws concerning trees, planning consent, tree protection plans, etc., our experts are happy to explain the details. Whether it's for a development proposal or simply to find out if you can trim a tree in your garden, we'll make sure you stay within the rules and regulations.
The cost of expert tree surveys in Thirsk varies depending on the type required and the number of trees inspected.
Check out this quick guide for more information:
The average cost is between £150 and £400 and this will vary according to the proximity of the tree (or trees) to the property and the complexity of the process (such as whether root damage or subsidence are present).
A simple assessment of protected trees costs between £150 and £350. If additional permissions or applications to the local council are needed, this may increase the cost.
While the average cost for this is between £150 and £350, sites with multiple trees can be as much as £2,000 depending on any additional complications.
Some of the factors affecting the cost include:
For a small site, the average cost is typically between £500 and £1,000, whereas a larger site (or one with many trees) will cost between £1,500 and £3,000 or higher.
The final cost will depend on factors such as:
The cost of a tree survey report to assess condition and health generally costs between £150 and £400 on a small property with few trees. A larger site, or one with multiple trees, will usually cost between £500 and £1,500.
Whatever type of survey you need, get in touch today for a free quote!
As the trees are on your land, you are responsible for arranging and paying for surveys on all the trees on your property. Under normal circumstances, these are only required if construction or development work is taking place, although it's wise to arrange a survey if you suspect any tree is diseased, damaged or unsafe, especially following a storm.
In relation to house buying and selling, the buyer is generally responsible for the cost, as it's a requirement of their lender. However, a seller may offer to pay if they want a quicker sale or to improve the relationship between the buyer and themselves.
A BS5837 tree survey is required as part of the planning process. Planning permission may be rejected if the existing trees aren't inspected and given due consideration. Developers, project managers or architects are expected to arrange and pay for a comprehensive tree survey report. This usually includes detailed tree constraints plan drawings to show how tree roots and canopies may affect the development site.
This covers all tree stock in public spaces and highways. It is the local council's responsibility to arrange and pay for tree surveys in these places. Neglecting this essential task could result in damage to property, injury or even death, so it is vital that surveys are carried out to avoid these risks. Aside from the human cost involved, such cases often lead to litigation, which can be extremely costly in financial terms.
Again, if you have any questions regarding this, please contact us and we'll explain the finer details.
With well over a decade of experience, our tree surgeons/arborists are more than capable of providing tree surveys for all circumstances.
Tree survey services are only one aspect of our extensive range of tree-care operations, although a very important one.
Here's a selection of what we have to offer:
We handle all types of tree maintenance services to keep trees healthy and safe, including:
Although the main focus of our work is on keeping trees healthy, we understand that they occasionally need to be cut down. Our experts will ensure that the process is undertaken safely and efficiently, removing all the resulting debris and leaving the site clean and tidy.
We will visit the site and use various methods to destroy the stump, such as:
The tree stump removal cost will depend on the method used and the size of the stump, ensuring that we offer an efficient solution for every situation.
Sometimes a proposed development site needs to be cleared of all present trees, and this must be undertaken quickly, sensitively and efficiently.
Our staff will assess the site and use the best possible methods to clear the trees and plant life while causing as little disturbance to the surrounding environment as possible.
Managing large areas of woodland, hedges and grassed areas can be extremely challenging. The Tree Surgeon Pro team is trained to handle the challenges involved, leaving your grounds in perfect condition.
Trees are essential to life on Earth, and it's part of our mission to make sure that new trees are planted to replace those lost to development, disease and storm damage. We also prefer to transplant trees where possible, rather than cut them down.
Please contact us if you require more details on these specific services.
When you need a tree survey or arboricultural report of any kind, Tree Surgeon Pro is the obvious choice. Our professional tree-care experts deliver high-quality tree reports that provide accurate, precise information that you can trust.
Whether you're anxious to get planning approval, worried about potential tree problems, or just want to assess the health of a single tree in your garden, Tree Surgeon Pro is here to assist you.
And if you need general tree care of any kind, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet all your requirements! Contact our Thirsk team for further information and to secure your free, no-obligation quote.
A tree survey is an inspection that assesses the condition, species, and health of trees on a property. It also evaluates their potential risks and legal status, providing vital information for maintenance or planning purposes.
A tree survey helps identify any risks posed by trees, such as potential damage to structures or safety concerns. It's also essential for complying with planning regulations and legal requirements.
The cost of a tree survey varies depending on the number of trees, the complexity of the survey, and the location. On average, prices range from £150 to £500, but larger projects may cost more.
During a tree survey, a qualified arborist will assess the trees' health, structure, and any potential hazards. The survey will also include measurements and recommendations for care or action if necessary.
Tree surveys should typically be conducted every 3-5 years, or sooner if there are visible issues or after severe weather events. Regular surveys help catch potential problems before they become hazardous.
While you can inspect trees yourself, it’s highly recommended to hire a professional arborist for a detailed and accurate survey. They have the expertise to spot hidden risks and legal issues you might miss.
