The property itself was a detached, two storey dwelling. It had gardens to the front and rear which contained two pine trees. The garden was suffering from slight water-logging, especially in one small area to the southwest corner of the garden, where the ground dipped slightly.

Our consultant determined that so long as category 1 tree works were undertaken, there were no arboricultural reasons to indicate that the trees had compromised the structural integrity of the building or that the trees at the current time posed a health and safety risk. It was also recommended that the trees were maintained at their current sizes to prevent any future concern.

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The trees surveyed were predominantly mature with a handful of young, semi and early mature specimens. Before the site visit, a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) check was carried out with the council, and we were informed that there was a TPO in force on this site. Before any work was organised, an application form should be submitted to the Local Authority, outlining all the proposed works along with suitable justification.

The tree survey revealed a total of 33 items of vegetation comprising of 28 individual trees, 3 groups of trees and 2 hedges. Of these, 3 trees were identified as retention category ‘A’, 10 trees were identified as retention category ‘B’, 15 trees, 3 groups and 2 hedges were identified as retention category ‘C’.

As a general rule, the trees listed as retention category ‘A’ or retention category ‘B’ are the most valuable items of vegetation and as such the removal of these is likely to be met with resistance by the Local Planning Authority.

The trees listed within retention category ‘C’ are of lesser value and the removal of these is generally less likely to be met with resistance by the Local Planning authority.

Items which are listed as category ‘U’ comprise of dead trees or trees of limited safe life expectancy and are often recommended removal, irrespective of any proposals.

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Our consultant carried out a survey and concluded that in this case some subsidence damage had occurred as a result of drying shrinkage caused by vegetation within influencing distance of the property.

It was recommended that a Common Ash tree, Plum tree, and an unidentified climber be removed, and the stumps treated to prevent regrowth and root function.

Our consultant also identified that a Sycamore tree which was in influencing distance of the property may be of possible future concern to the subject property and should be monitored.

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During the first year’s surveying, the main task was to identify the trees on each site, record the relevant data (species, age class, stem diameter, canopy spread), make specific comments about each tree with regards to e.g., form, pruning history, note any defects and assess their physiological and structural condition. Where defects were identified which presented a potential hazard or where general maintenance was considered necessary, appropriate recommendations were prescribed, including tree felling or pruning.

The trees on these sites were generally considered important to the aesthetic value of the site. As such, whilst the safety to the public and the Heritage structures was paramount, on occasions it was possible to retain trees rather than felling them by installing fencing, ensuring the public remained out of potential harms way.

Each tree surveyed was individually tagged to assist with on site identification. The trees at each site are surveyed annually over a period of seven years. Each annual survey takes place at a different time of year so that the trees are viewed and surveyed at different times of the year. This is beneficial as it allows the trees to be assessed in greater detail. For example, each tree is surveyed when it is in full leaf, so that the vitality and vigour of the foliage can be assessed. When the same tree is surveyed in winter, this allows for the branches and limbs and overall crown structure to be more clearly viewed (with the foliage no longer present on the deciduous trees) and any defects identified. When surveyed in autumn, the presence of any fungi can be more easily identified and symptoms of ill health, such as early leaf drop, can be better determined.

If an issue arises regarding a tree, records of the management of this tree through the years can be easily accessed, providing proof of a responsible tree safety management programme.

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