People who own or manage trees have a duty of care to ensure so far as is reasonable that the trees do not cause injury to other people. This duty of care is set out in the Occupiers Liability Acts, 1957, and 1984.

By having a tree survey carried out by us, and by implementing any recommendations contained within the report, it is likely that you will have done what is sufficient to satisfy your duties under the Occupiers Liability Acts. By taking a pro active, forward planning approach, tree stocks can be better managed. If required, the survey can be tied in to a longer term tree strategy or management plan, which will provide guidance on future tree management.

A survey will involve an assessment of the condition of the tree, as well as an assessment of the area beneath the tree, the 'target'. Where it is considered that trees are posing an unacceptably high risk, action will be recommended in order to bring the risk to an acceptable level. Information is recorded on a schedule, and the tree with its reference number is plotted on a plan showing its location. The report will contain an appraisal discussing any issues raised from the site inspection. The report is usually presented in a bound format

A tree survey may highlight the need for a detailed tree inspection, where more information is required in order to make a decision on the future management of the tree. See Assessment of Tree Safety page.