Tree inspections
We will categorise all of our trees into 1 of 3 zones depending on the risk. The zoning of the tree will dictate the inspection frequency as set out below.
|
Usage category |
Typical features |
Inspection frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
High usage |
Trees close to main public areas, buildings (this will include some shelter belts, church yards and woodland edges, heavily trafficked roads, car parks, busy and frequently used footpaths, rail lines, picnic areas, play and recreational areas. |
Every 18 months to ensure inspections are carried out at different times of the year. |
|
Medium usage |
Other roads, footpaths and bridleways in regular but not intensive public use, quieter areas of parks and open spaces. |
Every 3 years (some trees will be informally checked more frequently by council staff who work close to or around trees on a day to day basis. They will report any concerns to the tree officer. |
|
Low usage |
Land away from paths or only lightly used. |
Every 5 years, however trees within areas such as woodlands where no access or usage is present will not be formally inspected. |
All trees are potentially hazardous; however, the inspection programme can reasonably only address the conditions most likely to lead to injury or damage to people or property. These are the physical or physiological conditions that may lead to a breakup or collapse of a tree. It should, however, be noted that trees generally present a low risk.
Inspections are carried out by council officers who have undertaken suitable training and have the experience necessary to identify potential defects and suggest appropriate remedial action.
Different types of inspections may be carried out:
- formal - Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) from the ground by a qualified inspector
- informal - Walk/drive-by by either a qualified inspector or industry related employee (e.g. rangers) who work in and around council owned trees as part of their normal work duties
- detailed - More invasive specialist decay detection techniques used, written reports carried out by external professional contractor.