Challice Consulting Ltd were instructed to carry out a tree survey on one Veteran Oak tree (reference number 13) for health and safety and to make recommendations for appropriate tree works to reduce the risk of tree related harm or damage to an acceptable level.

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The purpose of this report is to ensure that the owners of the site have taken reasonable steps to prevent injury to staff/visitors or damage to property by the subject tree. The Owners and Occupiers Liability Acts 1957 and 1984 state that the person responsible for trees has a ‘Duty of Care’ to carry out regular tree inspections so that sufficient care is taken to avoid foreseeable harm or damage by the trees under the individual’s control.

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Tree owners and managers have a duty of care and as such have a direct responsibility to ensure that trees do not pose a danger to the public, staff or property. To ensure the correct procedures are in place this report has been produced using current guidance which is are underpinned by the five key principles set out below by the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG):

1. Trees provide a wide variety of benefits to society

2. Trees are living organisms that naturally lose branches or fail

3. The overall risk to human safety is extremely low

4. Tree owners have a legal duty of care

5. Tree owners should take a balanced and proportionate approach to tree safety management

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Tree Survey Method

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The subject Veteran Oak tree was surveyed from ground level and a climbing inspection was undertaken to a height of 14m on 7th September 2022. A full description of the tree is provided in the Tree Survey Schedule at Appendix 1. A nylon hammer was used when decay was suspected, combined with a 400mm metal probe to aid diagnosis. A Picus Tomograph was carried out by Mr. Kim Gifford out at four different heights on 7th September 2022 to establish the decay patterns in the stem. (see Picus Tomograph test report at Appendix 2). Any fungal brackets/fruiting bodies have been identified and assessed with regard to the safety implications.

 

The height and crown spread of the subject tree was estimated as the accuracy of these measurements is generally not critical to the decision making process when recommending necessary tree works.

 

The Tree Survey Schedule documents the tree dimensions, defects and assesses the risks and recommends remedial tree works, tree work priorities and re-inspection schedules based on the list below:

• Identified tree hazards

• Likelihood of failure

• Targets within striking distance of trees

• Proximity of trees to property including but not limited to buildings, fences, footpaths, roads, and access drives

• Consequence of failure

• Nature conservation and historic value of the tree/s

 

There are a number of ways that trees can be protected by law within the UK and include:

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Legal Status

The protection status of the subject Veteran Oak tree has not been ascertained. It would be prudent to check the protection status permission before any tree works are carried out.