Tree Survey & Arboricultural FAQs

What is Arboriculture?

Arboriculture is the practice and science of planting, caring for, and managing trees and woody plants in urban and rural settings, focusing on their health, safety, structural integrity, and role in enhancing landscapes, biodiversity, and public spaces

For more information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUWuhJeLcuk

What is an Arboricultural Consultant?

An arboricultural consultant provides expert advice through professional arboricultural consultancy services relating to tree health, tree safety and long-term tree management. Their role includes conducting tree surveys, tree risk assessments, and impact assessments for planning and development, as well as recommending maintenance, protection, or removal of trees.

They work with landowners, developers, and local authorities to ensure tree-related decisions align with safety standards, environmental legislation, and sustainable practices, helping to preserve the country’s valuable tree stock while supporting land use objectives

What is a Tree Survey?

A tree survey is a detailed assessment carried out by a qualified tree surveyor to document the species, size, age, health, structural condition and location of individual trees and positioning, often including recommendations for maintenance or removal to ensure safety, compliance with local regulations, and ecological preservation.

What is a Tree Risk Assessment?

A tree risk assessment evaluates the likelihood of tree failure and forms an important part of tree risk management and potential impact of tree failure to guide safe management. The Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) uses statistical probabilities to establish risk thresholds, while the VALID method combines structured visual tree inspection with impact likelihood, helping to balance safety with tree conservation.

For more information visit:

VALID - https://www.validtreerisk.com/

Or QTRA - https://www.qtra.co.uk/

What is an Arb Impact Assessment?

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), carried out as part of a BS5837 tree surveyAn Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) in accordance with BS5837 assesses the potential effects of proposed development, demolition, or construction on existing trees. During a tree survey, it identifies trees for retention, removal, or protection, evaluates tree health, and provides guidance on protective measures to minimise damage during construction. This assessment helps integrate trees sustainably into the design, ensuring compliance with planning standards and successful long-term tree preservation.

What is an Internal Tree Inspection?

An Internal Tree Inspection, sometimes referred to as an Advanced Tree Inspection and historically known as 'Advanced Decay Detection', involves using specialised technology to assess the internal condition of a tree's trunk or major branches.
Tools such as PiCUS sonic tomography, TreeTronic electrical resistance tomography, PD400 Microdrill resistance drilling and tree statics provide insights into the tree's structural integrity by detecting decay, cavities or weakened areas that may not be visible from the outside. This detailed tree diagnostics process supports informed management decisions, helping arborists to balance safety considerations with tree preservation.

For more information about the PiCUS please follow:

www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/product/picus-sonic-tomograph/

For more information about the Resi - PD400 Microdrill please follow:

www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/product/iml-resi-pd/

How much does a Tree Survey Cost?

How long is a piece of string? Some companies will offer a fixed rate for a survey, but there are a number of contributing factors that can affect the cost of a survey.

They include but are not limited to, the following:

• Number of trees

• Location

• Level of tree detail required

• Purchase of site map

• Training, Qualifications and importantly EXPERIENCE

• Level of Insurance (if any!) An Internal Tree Inspection, sometimes referred to as an advanced tree inspection, historically referred to as "Advanced Decay Detection”.
  
  Every tree survey and tree report is tailored to the individual site and clients requirements.

What areas do you cover?

Beyond The Bark provides arboricultural consultancy, tree surveys, tree risk assessments and internal tree inspection services throughout Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Wales and the wider UK.