Tree Health and Safety Surveys are a proactive and practical way to protect people, property, and the long-term health of your trees. With the new season underway, there’s no better moment to prioritise this essential aspect of land management.

Trees are more than just a beautiful part of the landscape. They’re crucial to both human and environmental wellbeing.

• Improving health and wellbeing: Studies have shown that being near trees and green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower blood pressure.
• Enhancing biodiversity: Trees provide food, shelter and nesting sites for birds, insects, fungi, and mammals. A single mature oak can support hundreds of species. Well-managed trees contribute to rich, resilient ecosystems.
• Capturing carbon and cleaning the air: Trees are natural carbon sinks, helping to reduce the effects of climate change by locking away carbon dioxide. They also improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen.
• Providing shade and reducing flooding: In urban areas, tree canopies cool streets and buildings in summer, and their root systems help manage rainwater, reducing flood risk.

Healthy trees support healthy communities and a thriving planet. But neglected or unsafe trees can pose real threats, which is where professional surveys come in.

If you own or manage land with trees, you have a legal obligation to ensure they do not pose a danger to people or property. This duty of care applies across a wide range of sectors, from councils and schools to hospitals, estates and commercial properties. Trees near roads, footpaths, car parks or buildings are particularly important to monitor, as failure to manage them responsibly can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

Relevant legislation includes the Occupiers’ Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. These laws make clear that landowners and managers can be held liable if a tree under their control causes harm due to negligence. A professional Tree Health and Safety Survey offers strong evidence that you’ve taken reasonable and proportionate steps to manage risk, helping protect both your organisation and the public.

While trees may appear robust and self-sufficient, they are living organisms subject to decay, disease, storm damage and ageing. Without regular assessment, these issues can go unnoticed until a tree fails, with potentially serious consequences.

Unmanaged tree risk can result in injury or even fatalities, particularly in busy public spaces where people are walking, driving or gathering. There is also the risk of costly property damage to buildings, vehicles and infrastructure, which can have knock-on effects for insurance and operations. If it becomes clear that a tree had known defects or had not been inspected, the landowner may face legal claims or enforcement action.

Additionally, tree pests and diseases can spread rapidly. Early detection through survey work allows for timely intervention, potentially saving not just one tree but an entire population. Ignoring tree health is not just a missed opportunity to protect a vital asset; it can be a direct liability.

A Tree Health and Safety Survey is a structured, professional inspection carried out by qualified arboriculturists. Our team begins by visually assessing each tree, using recognised best practices to identify any signs of decay, structural weakness, disease or pest activity. The process is risk-led, meaning we assess the likelihood of failure in combination with the potential impact, for example, whether a tree is next to a footpath, school, or heritage building.

We provide clear, practical recommendations tailored to each tree and its setting. These may include pruning or, in some cases, removal if the risks cannot be mitigated in other ways. However, our approach is not just about risk reduction. We also offer holistic advice on improving tree health, enhancing longevity, and supporting wider environmental goals. Our aim is to ensure that your trees are not only safe but continue to thrive.

Following the survey, you will receive a detailed report that documents the condition and risk profile of each tree assessed. This can be delivered as a traditional PDF or as a dynamic online report, depending on your preference. Our digital reports include interactive mapping and data layers, making it easy to visualise and prioritise areas of concern.

More than just a compliance document, your report becomes a valuable management tool. It helps demonstrate your legal compliance, supports transparent decision-making, and can inform budgeting for tree maintenance over the short and long term. Whether you're managing a single site or a portfolio of properties, it gives you confidence that your trees are being looked after with care, expertise and foresight.

Our arboriculture team is made up of passionate professionals with strong knowledge and a commitment to quality work. Every member holds the LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) qualification and is trained in the VALID system - a tree risk-benefit management system designed to effectively evaluate and monitor trees that may pose a danger.

We work across the UK, helping clients large and small to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect the public, staff and infrastructure
• Preserve and enhance their tree stock
• Promote biodiversity and environmental responsibility

We pride ourselves on offering clear, practical advice and building long-term relationships with our clients. Whether you manage a city park, a school estate or a rural property portfolio, we’re here to help you get the best from your trees, safely and sustainably.

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. It’s also the right time to make sure your trees are safe, healthy and well-managed.

Contact us to discuss your tree health and safety survey needs, and let’s work together to ensure your trees continue to thrive.