Tree Survey and Risk Management in North Yorkshire – JCA Project Overview
JCA was contracted to provide professional tree surveying and risk management services across various heritage sites in North Yorkshire. At a key location in York, our primary responsibility was to assess the condition of trees and offer actionable recommendations to minimize the risk of tree failure—protecting both public safety and valuable heritage structures.
Year 1: Comprehensive Tree Survey
During the initial year of surveying, our team focused on:
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Identifying individual trees at each site
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Recording essential data, including:
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Tree species
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Age class
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Stem diameter
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Canopy spread
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Assessing condition, with observations on:
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Tree form and pruning history
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Structural and physiological health
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Visible defects or decay
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Where safety concerns or maintenance needs were identified, we issued clear management recommendations. These included tree pruning, felling, or other targeted interventions to reduce risk.
Balancing Tree Safety and Site Aesthetics
Many of the surveyed trees contributed significantly to the visual and historical character of the sites. While public and structural safety remained the top priority, we looked for opportunities to preserve trees wherever possible.
For example, instead of removing trees with potential hazards, we sometimes recommended installing protective fencing to restrict public access and reduce risk without impacting the landscape unnecessarily.
Long-Term Tree Management Strategy
Each tree was individually tagged for accurate tracking and future reference. The management plan involves annual surveys over a seven-year cycle, with inspections scheduled at different times of year. This seasonal approach offers a more complete understanding of each tree’s health and structural integrity.
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Spring/Summer: Trees are surveyed in full leaf to assess foliage vitality and overall vigour.
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Autumn: Ideal for identifying fungal growth and signs of ill health such as early leaf drop.
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Winter: Allows for clear observation of branch structure and potential defects, especially in deciduous species.
This year-round observation method ensures that trees are assessed thoroughly and consistently under varied conditions.
Transparent Tree Management Records
If a problem arises with any specific tree, detailed records of its condition and management history are readily available. This supports a proactive and defensible tree safety management programme, demonstrating due diligence and long-term care.