Following a successful Tree Surveying tender, JCA Limited along with another arboricultural consultancy are working jointly with Together Housing to survey their tree stock and develop a tree management plan.
Together Housing Association Limited, is a charitable community benefit society that own and manage over 36,000 properties and is one of largest providers of affordable social housing in the North. Together Housing provides a comprehensive range of support services which affect over 40,000 people’s lives over a huge geographical area in the North of England.
The Purpose of the Survey
JCA’s role is to inform Together Housing Group of how many trees they have under their responsibility, where each tree is located and to provide specific information and advice about each tree; e.g. species, height, size, form and condition. Where necessary, we will also prescribe appropriate recommendations in line with best practice, health and safety and general maintenance.
The tree surveys will ensure that Together Housing Group complies with its legal duty of care to the general public and its tenants, by undertaking tree works where a potential hazard is observed, or risk noted. Knowing where the trees are and what management works are required, will allow for better planning with regards to future surveys and will assist with the overall budgeting of tree works. For example, tree works can be undertaken on a high, moderate or low priority basis first and then by area, rather than reacting on a more ad-hoc basis when and where an issue arises.
The tree surveys will focus primarily on the health and condition of each tree although the potential for damage/conflict will also be assessed (where trees are growing close to structures, overhead cables, TV signals etc). JCA will only prescribe tree works where it is necessary and serves a purpose.
Together Housing’s policy is to re plant and replace any tree which requires removal. Prior to replacing, we will always assess the area and ensure we have the right tree in the right place to maximise the life expectancy of the tree.
Who is carrying out the work?
We have assigned two of our arboricultural consultants to the surveys. Each consultant will aim to survey on average between 80 and 90 trees a per day.
JCA Arboricultural Consultants
Luke Wickham FdSc (Arboriculture and Urban Forestry).
Luke joined JCA in 2021 after obtaining his Foundation Degree in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry at Askham Bryan College. Having previously worked within the industry for the past 4 years, running his own small business and sub-contracting for local firms, Luke brings a sound knowledge and understanding of the practical and academic sides of the industry.
Andy McPhaden BSc (Hons).
Andrew joined JCA in 2022 having spent 5 years working as an Arborist for various private companies in both the UK and Germany. During his time abroad he obtained the European Tree Worker Certification along with a tree inspector certification from the Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Ladschaftsbau. He brings a strong understanding of the practical sides of the industry and holds various NPTC qualifications.
Where are JCA Limited surveying?
There are three core areas which require surveying, two of which JCA Limited are carrying out:
- Lancashire/ Manchester – Other Arboricultural agency
- Calderdale – JCA Limited
- Yorkshire & Humber – JCA Limited
Within these areas JCA will inspect all of the trees within Together Housing’s ownership covering Open Spaces, Communal areas and tenant back gardens.
We are aiming to complete the survey work and establish a tree management plan with Together Housing by October this year. Once this is in place, Together Housing will apply their Policy and be able to inform customers of the plans for the trees in their areas and respond quickly to any concerns on tree safety.
