Why Tree Condition Surveys are Essential for Every Landowner

As a landowner in North West England, the stewardship of trees on your property is both a privilege and a significant legal responsibility. 

Under the Occupiers' Liability Act, you have a 'duty of care' to ensure your trees do not pose an unacceptable risk to people or property, and failing to manage this can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. 

This is precisely where a professional tree condition survey becomes an indispensable tool for proactive management. 

At Northwest Tree Management, our qualified arboricultural consultants, based near Chester and the Wirral, provide comprehensive tree safety inspections across Cheshire, North Wales, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, and Lancashire. 

We have extensive experience carrying out essential tree surveys for a diverse range of commercial clients, including local councils, housing associations, and schools, as well as private landowners. 

When you commission a tree inspection from Northwest Tree Management  you're getting far more than a casual glance. It is a systematic, top-to-bottom health check for your trees, designed to be thorough and objective. Our process begins from the ground up, first assessing the root zone and the base of the tree. We look for signs of instability, such as ground heave or cracking, and check for the presence of fungal fruiting bodies which can indicate underlying decay. 

We then conduct a detailed visual assessment of the trunk, main stems, and the entire branch structure. Our consultants are trained to identify subtle but significant defects, including cracks, cavities, weak V-shaped unions that are prone to failure, deadwood, and signs of pest infestations or disease. 

The condition of the canopy, including the density and colour of the foliage, also provides vital clues about the tree's overall health. For each tree surveyed, we record its species, age, size, and overall vitality, culminating in a clear, prioritised set of recommendations. This might range from simple maintenance to a more significant intervention if a serious hazard is identified, ensuring you have a precise, actionable plan to manage your trees and uphold your duty of care

Whether you are responsible for a single garden tree near Chester, a portfolio of veteran trees on the Wirral, or managing the extensive grounds for a school in Liverpool or a housing association in Manchester, a regular tree condition survey is the most effective way to ensure safety, protect your assets, and gain invaluable peace of mind. To discuss your requirements and ensure you are meeting your legal obligations, contact the expert team at Northwest Tree Management by visiting our website at www.northwesttreemanagement.co.uk.