Tree Surveys

At North West Tree Management, we provide expert tree surveys across Chester, Cheshire and the North West for homeowners, developers and local authorities. Led by qualified arboricultural consultant Andy Davies, our family-run team delivers reliable BS5837 planning surveys, mortgage and insurance reports, and tree risk assessments you can trust.

- Tree Condition Surveys

- BS 5837 Tree Surveys

- Arboricultural Impact Assessments

- Mortgage reports

Tree Condition Surveys in Cheshire & the North West

Tree Condition Surveys are vital for maintaining the safety, health, and longevity of trees on both private and public land. Our qualified arboricultural consultants carry out detailed tree safety inspections to identify issues such as deadwood, decay, or structural defects that could pose risks to people, property, or infrastructure. Regular tree risk assessments also help detect early signs of disease, pests, and environmental stress, protecting your trees and reducing long-term costs.

Your Legal Duty of Care

In the UK, landowners have a legal duty of care to ensure their trees are safe. Regular tree condition surveys demonstrate compliance with:

The Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984: Require landowners to maintain safe premises, including tree management.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Applies to employers responsible for trees on workplace land.
Common Law Duty of Care: Obliges property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent harm from trees.

Failing to inspect and act on survey findings can lead to legal liability if damage or injury occurs.
By arranging a professional tree condition survey in Chester, Cheshire or North Wales, you’ll stay compliant, safeguard your property, and promote a healthy tree environment for years to come.

Tree Condition Survey

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BS 5837 Tree Survey

BS5837 Tree Surveys for Planning & Development

BS5837 tree surveys are essential for assessing how proposed developments will affect existing trees and ensuring they’re properly protected during design, demolition, and construction. These surveys provide detailed information on each tree’s condition, species, quality, and value, helping developers, architects, and planning consultants make informed decisions that balance progress with environmental care.

At North West Tree Management, our BS5837 tree surveys support planning applications across Chester, Cheshire, and the North West, helping clients meet local authority requirements, enhance biodiversity, and comply with UK planning guidance. We work closely with homeowners, developers, and architects to prepare clear, compliant tree survey reports that meet every aspect of the BS5837:2012 British Standard.

Planning Legislation & Tree Protection

While not a legal requirement, BS5837:2012 is recognised as best practice and often requested by local planning authorities. Compliance also helps satisfy broader UK legislation such as:

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Requires consideration of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and conservation areas.
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Protects trees near listed buildings or within conservation areas.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Safeguards wildlife habitats, including nesting birds in development areas.

Failing to carry out a BS5837 survey can delay or jeopardise planning approval. By commissioning a professional BS5837 tree survey in Chester or across the North West, you’ll ensure your development aligns with planning policy and environmental responsibilities.

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Arboricultural Impact Assessment

Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA s) are a key part of the planning and development process. They evaluate how proposed works will affect existing trees, and how those trees might, in turn, influence the design. A professional AIA identifies potential conflicts between trees and construction activities, helping developers reduce risk, protect high-value trees, and meet local planning and environmental requirements.

At North West Tree Management, we carry out detailed Arboricultural Impact Assessments across Chester, Cheshire and the North West, following the BS5837:2012 British Standard. Our reports provide clear, practical recommendations that help projects move forward smoothly while maintaining biodiversity, landscape value, and compliance with UK planning policies.

Planning & Legal Framework

AIA s are frequently required by planning authorities and align with key UK legislation, including:

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Protects trees under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and within conservation areas.
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Safeguards trees contributing to heritage and conservation settings.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Protects wildlife such as nesting birds and bats that may inhabit trees on development sites.

By commissioning a BS5837, compliant AIA, developers can demonstrate due diligence, prevent costly enforcement action, and ensure their projects respect both ecological and visual amenity.

Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)

An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) follows an AIA and provides a detailed, step-by-step plan for protecting trees during development. It ensures all mitigation measures identified in the AIA are put into practice on site.

A comprehensive AMS typically includes:

Tree Protection Measures: Fencing, ground protection and Root Protection Area (RPA) specifications to prevent damage.
Construction Guidance: Safe methods for excavation, service installation and landscaping near trees.
Monitoring & Supervision: appointing a qualified arboricultural consultant to oversee works and ensure compliance.
Contingency Planning: outlining how to respond if accidental damage or root disturbance occurs.

Why an AMS Matters

An AMS makes sure everyone involved, contractors, site managers, and planners, understands their responsibilities for tree protection. It translates survey recommendations into clear, actionable site practices, reducing the risk of non-compliance, enforcement notices, or project delays.

By integrating an AMS with your Arboricultural Impact Assessment, you demonstrate your commitment to responsible development, legal compliance, and sustainable environmental management.

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Mortgage Reports

Mortgage & Insurance Tree Reports

Buying or selling a property with mature trees nearby? While trees can add value and beauty, they can also present risks if they’re diseased, unstable, or protected by law. A professional Mortgage Tree Report from North West Tree Management provides peace of mind by assessing how trees may impact your home, its safety, and its long-term value.

Our qualified arboricultural consultants deliver clear, impartial tree reports for mortgage and insurance purposes across Chester, Cheshire and the North West. Each report goes beyond a quick visual check, we provide detailed, practical insights that help you make confident property decisions.

What Our Tree Mortgage Reports Include

Tree Health & Condition Assessment: Evaluation of tree structure, vitality, and any signs of disease, decay, or defects.

Legal & Planning Constraints: Identification of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and conservation area protections.

Structural Risk Assessment: Analysis of potential issues such as root-related subsidence, falling branches, or windthrow.

Maintenance & Management Guidance: Recommendations for pruning, removal of deadwood, and long-term tree care.

Identification of High-Risk Trees: Highlighting trees that pose immediate or foreseeable hazards.

Clear Reporting: Concise, easy-to-understand findings supported by photos and actionable advice.

Why Mortgage Tree Reports Matter

For Buyers: Avoid hidden costs or liabilities and understand future maintenance requirements before completing a purchase.

For Sellers: Resolve potential tree-related issues early to speed up sales and reassure buyers.

For Lenders & Insurers: Gain an expert, independent view of tree risks that could affect property stability or value.

With over a decade of experience, Andy Davies and our team provide accurate, reliable tree reports for mortgage, insurance and property transactions, ensuring you stay compliant, informed, and protected.

Contact us today to arrange your Mortgage Tree Report in Chester or across the North West.

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