Explanation of Terms

Routine tree management

Particularly of benefit for owners of individual or groups of trees in a garden or woodland/park setting, especially if there is public access or the boundaries adjoin public highways.

The tree(s) will be plotted on a plan, individually numbered, identified by species with a detailed account of the health, condition and structural integrity together with any recommendations for works.

The recommendations for any necessary works are categorised by priority so that a management programme can be established in order that implementaion and budgeting of works can be spread over a number of seasons.

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Tree management programmes for property managers

As a modern tree care company we are aware that those responsible for property management are constantly pressured for time and that trees are sometimes overlooked until damage or other problems occur.

A tree's condition, whether it has dead, diseased and damaged branches, not only affects its apperance, but also the potential liability posed to third parties and property.

It is in the interests of both aesthetics and safety that WKW Tree Services have devised its "Tree Management Programme".

The programme s designed as follows:

• We carry out a tree survey where trees are individually identified and their health and condition assessed together with any work that needs undertaking.
• You are provided with a comprehensive tree report enabling you to decide on which sections of the work you require to be carried out. Alternatively, we will work on those trees which will need the greatest improvement to enhance their appearance and reduce liability concerns.
• We can complete all the necessary work in one operation, phased stages or on a regular mantenance programme.

The programme ensures that your time is wisely and efficiently used and that the service that you recieve is of the high standard expected.

The benefits are clear:

• The initital visual appraisal is free and with no obligation.
• Budgeting of works and costs is made easier - as our staff can be contracted on a fixed rate, you determine how long we work for you and hence costs can be spread out as desired.
• Whether for a single occasion or as part of our regular maintenance programme, our staff will improve the condition and safety of your trees. This is recognised by insurance companies as good tree management, reducing the risk of third party liability.
• Rapid response emergency callout - should a tree related emergency occur, we are simply a phone call away.
• We provide a professional service, planned by an accredited arboriculturalist and carried out by skilled arborists.

We will reduce the hazards that your tree(s) present, ensuring that both you and your insurance company are satisfied with the end result.

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Hazard tree evaluation

Trees can be a hazard when the failure of one or more parts result in damage to property and/or cause personal injury.

All trees have the potential for such failures but only a relative few actually do so.

Whether trees are situated in a garden, golf course or on a residential development site, they must exist in unusual physical environments which are more diverse and frequently more stressful than those found in their natural environment the forest.

Hazard tree evaluation involves the assessment of:

• A tree with a potential to fail (i.e. structural defects)
• An environment that may contribute to such a failure (i.e. disturbance to the tree's root system)
• A person or object that would suffer injury or damage in the event of such a failure (the target).

Our consulting arborists, by evaluating a potentially hazardous tree and identifying any structural defects, can prevent and/or eliminate a potentially dangerous situation and in doing so reduce the liability of the tree owner.

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Retention of trees on development sites

Pre-Planning Site Assesment

A land survey is normally carried out in the first instance showing all the relevant existing site features including trees.

The species and condition of the trees included in the land survey are assessed by the following:

• Species
• Health and Condition
• Size, age, form, future growth potential and suitability within the context of the proposed site development
• Any structural defects within the trees and their reasonable life expectancy
• The location of trees relative to existiong site features

Recommedations for any necessary works to each tree is listed within the report.

With careful planning, trees can enhance a development. However, they can also occupy a substantial part of the site and may even impinge on many aspects of site development. Therefore adequate considerations must be give to the requirements of trees throughout the development process.

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Trees which are protected by Tree Preservation Orders
or which are within Conservation Areas

Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Orders and Legal Protection of Trees

Whether an individual tree or group of trees are located within a garden or potential development site, they may be protected by legislation.

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows for trees either as individuals, groups or woodlands to be protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). This has the effect of preventing pruning, damage to or the removal of the tree other than with the consent of the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The LPA has a statutary period of eight weeks from recieving an applicaton in which to refuse or grant consent to carry out works to the protected tree.

In addition to TPO's the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations (1999) requires that except in certain circumstances (eg. the removal of dead wood) no works shall be carried out to trees located within a Conservation Area (CA) without a six week notification period being given to the LPA. During this period of notification, the LPA will either agree that the proposed works are in order or place a TPO on the tree(s) preventing the works from being carried out without a further application to do so under the TPO legislation outlined above. Trees located within a CA which are less than 75mm in diameter measured at a height of 1.5m above the ground are not covered by the legislation.

In both of the above situations, we are able to provide reports and/or specifications of proposed works on behalf of tree owners and submit any necessary applications or notifications to the LPA.

Even when no specific legal protection exists, it may be necessary to obtain a "felling licence" from The Forestry Authority should the volume to timber within a group of trees to be removed exceeds a certain amount. Should this situation arise we are able to make the necessary arrangements on your behalf if required.

Substantial penalties can be incurred, up to £20,000, for contravention of any of these forms of legal protection for trees.

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Mortgage / Insurance matters

Tree Reports for Mortgage/Insurance Purposes

Homeowners together with mortgage and insurance companies are becoming increasingly aware of the association of trees with structural damage to properties and the expensive repairs and disruptio that can arise as a result.

Damage can occur to a property built on specific types of underlying soil when an individual or group of trees grow in proximity to a building, garage, boundary wall or other structure. It is often possible that the damage can be prevented with appropriate inspections.

A tree survey carried out by one of our qualified consultants, having specialised knowledge in tree biology, can identify those situations where damage may be a liklihood or advise on areas which may be of concern.

After carrying out the tree survey at the property we will provide a report outling the following:

• Comment on the underlying soil type.
• Identify which individual or group of trees may have the potential to cause damage.
• Advise on the likelihood of damage occuring.
• Provide recommendations for any necessary works to the trees.

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Tree related building subsidence

Where the action of trees are implicated in damage to buildings through subsidence, we are able to offer consultation and tree inspections together with the appropriate reports on a site specific basis.

Working closely with the structural engineer investigating the damage we are able to advise on all tree related matters including possible tree management works to reduce the possibility of damage reoccuring.

We also offer a comprehensive root identification service where it is necessary to to accurately determine individual trees contributing to structural damage. This service not only assists in tree management to prevent further damage but also in possible litigation where trees are located on neighboring properties.

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Evidence for legal cases

The use of expert witnesses in court cases is increasing. Within the provision of our consultancy, based on our professional knowledge, qualifications and experience we are able to offer to our clients the service of expert witness in the field of arboriculture. Whetether the situation is a tree dispute, damage caused to/by a tree or an accident

Upon instructions of our client we can provide written reports and/or attend court as an expert witness on their behalf.

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