Importance of understanding tree health

Tree surveys and inspections play a crucial role in understanding the health and condition of trees. These assessments are not merely necessities for tree owners as part of the legal obligations for health and safety; they are essential tools for ensuring the safety and longevity of trees within our urban and rural landscapes.

Firstly, tree surveys help identify potential risks. Aging trees, pest infestations, diseases and chemical & biological changes to the surrounding area can all compromise a tree's biological and structural stability. By regularly assessing the condition of trees, qualified arboriculturists (tree consultants) can identify these issues early, allowing for informed decisions about necessary interventions. Mitigating risks not only helps to understand if any risks are posed against human safety but also property and the broader ecosystem living on the tree.

Comprehensive tree assessments contribute to effective management strategies. For landowners and managers, understanding the health of their trees informs decisions about pruning, removal, or restoration. This knowledge empowers stakeholders to manage their resources sustainably, promoting healthy tree growth, enhancing biodiversity, and maintaining the aesthetic value of green spaces, not forgetting the importance of confidently managing hazards and risk.

Finally, tree inspections have an economic consideration. For businesses and home owners in the UK, investing in understanding tree health can lead to reduced costs associated with emergency removals or damage claims resulting from falling trees, or worse, health and safety negligence claims. A proactive approach to tree management through regular surveys is often more cost-effective than reactive measures.

In the context of woodland management and creation, tree surveys help identify suitable species for planting and the existing ecological value of an area by the habitats provided by different tree species. By understanding which trees thrive and which are struggling, managers can create more resilient woodlands that support various species and provide recreational opportunities.

The importance of tree surveys and inspections cannot be overstated. They are essential for informed management decisions, risk mitigation, and sustainable woodland management practices. Investing in these assessments contributes not only to public safety but also to the long-term health of our natural landscapes.

This multi-stemmed Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) has one healthy stem and one with significant volumes of dead wood. The dead and decaying wood has considerable habitat value and you can see here towards the top of the picture woodpecker holes, which are known to provide ideal rooting places for

Noctule and Bechstein's bats.

The tree itself was situated in public access woodland but away from paths and so posed little risk to people if it was to fail. The habitat value of this tree is considerable and so was left to continue providing its own little ecosystem.

This Horse Chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) is in poor health. Visible in the picture are cracks and on the other side of the tree, are large areas of bark that have fallen off the exposing advanced decay and areas of deadwood. Also visible in the picture are two species of fungi; the bright orange is Gymnopilus junonius which indicates signficant decay and disfunction of the wood, usually white rot. Much more difficult to see in this picture is Hypoxylon fragiforme, which is further evidence of significantly decay within this tree.

This tree is situated in a popular public park, next to a footpath and close to a building and play park. The tree holds significant visual and amenity value and has previously been pollarded to reduce the risk of this tree failing and causing significant damage to people or property. This tree has a reasonably healthy crown, so will continue to be monitored and may be subject to further management (further crown reduction and pollarding) as the decay continues to advance.

If you’re concerned or interested in the health of your trees, contact us to arrange for a survey to be undertaken.