When Should You Perform Tree Surveys on Your Property?

Tree Surveys

Caring for trees on your property is an essential responsibility for homeowners, businesses, and land managers. Tree surveys are vital tools in ensuring the health, safety, and longevity of trees, as well as preventing property damage or safety risks. But when should you perform tree surveys on your property? In this article, we’ll explore the key instances and scenarios that necessitate tree surveys, the importance of conducting them, and how they can protect both your property and the environment.

What Is a Tree Survey?

A tree surveys is an assessment conducted by a qualified arborist or tree specialist to evaluate the condition, health, and location of trees within a specific area. The survey typically includes the following aspects:

• Identification of tree species
• Tree height, age, and spread measurements
• Health and structural integrity of the tree
• Potential risks, including disease, decay, or infestation
• Tree placement relative to buildings or other structures

By gathering this information, a tree survey helps determine whether a tree poses a safety risk or requires maintenance, removal, or other interventions.

Why Are Tree Surveys Important?

Tree surveys serve multiple purposes:

1. Health Assessment: Identify signs of disease, pest infestation, or decay that could lead to tree failure.
2. Safety: Prevent falling branches or tree collapse that could damage property or harm people.
3. Legal Compliance: Ensure that tree protection laws or planning permissions are followed, especially in conservation areas.
4. Property Value: Enhance property value by maintaining healthy and visually appealing trees.
5. Sustainability: Promote environmental conservation by managing tree health and longevity.

When Should You Perform a Tree Survey?

Several scenarios and conditions make performing a tree survey essential. Below, we outline the key instances when you should conduct one.

1. Before Purchasing a Property

When buying a property that has mature trees or large wooded areas, a tree survey is a critical part of the due diligence process. Trees can either add significant value to the property or present potential liabilities.

• Risk Identification: Mature trees near buildings could have root systems that affect foundations, plumbing, or underground utilities.
• Legal Considerations: Some trees may be protected by law, and cutting them down or altering them without permission could result in penalties.
• Cost Estimation: Understanding the potential cost of maintaining or removing trees can help inform your purchasing decision.

2. Before Starting a Construction or Development Project

Tree surveys are a mandatory part of the planning process for any construction or development project, whether residential, commercial, or municipal. This is to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid damaging existing trees or wildlife habitats.

• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) require specific permissions before any construction work can take place near them.
• Impact on Root Systems: Construction activities, including excavation, can damage tree root systems. A tree survey will assess which trees can be safely retained and protected during the building process.
• Wildlife Considerations: Trees often serve as habitats for birds, bats, and other wildlife. A survey will identify any ecological factors that need to be considered during development.

3. Following Severe Weather Events

Severe weather conditions such as storms, high winds, or heavy snowfall can cause significant damage to trees. After these events, it is important to perform a tree survey to assess the extent of any structural damage to trees on your property.

• Broken Branches and Fallen Trees: Large branches or entire trees can fall during storms, causing damage to property or endangering lives.
• Leaning or Uprooted Trees: Trees that are partially uprooted or leaning due to wind pressure may pose an ongoing risk and should be evaluated for removal or support.
• Root Damage: Excessive rainfall or flooding can lead to root exposure or weakening, making trees more vulnerable to collapse.

4. If You Notice Signs of Disease or Decay

A decline in the health of your trees could indicate underlying issues such as disease, decay, or pest infestations. In such cases, an immediate tree survey is necessary to prevent further deterioration or the spread of the problem.

• Fungal Growth: The presence of mushrooms or fungi around the base of a tree could signal root decay.
• Dead or Dying Branches: Branch dieback is a clear sign that a tree may be suffering from disease or stress.
• Discolored Leaves or Bark Damage: Sudden changes in leaf color (out of season) or peeling bark are warning signs of disease.
• Pest Infestations: Beetles, ants, or other insects boring into the trunk or branches are an indication of decay or infestation.

5. After Trees Have Been on the Property for Several Years

Even if your trees appear healthy, conducting periodic tree surveys every few years is a proactive way to monitor their condition and address any potential issues before they become serious problems.

• Preventative Maintenance: Regular surveys allow for pruning or treatment to prevent branches from overgrowing or becoming too heavy.
• Structural Integrity: Older trees may develop cavities, cracks, or splits in the trunk, which can lead to failure if left untreated.
• Assessment of Canopy Growth: Large canopies can pose risks if they grow too close to buildings or utility lines, and may need trimming or thinning.

6. When Selling a Property

If you’re preparing to sell a property, having a recent tree survey available can be a valuable selling point, particularly if your property contains significant landscaping or mature trees. A well-maintained landscape with healthy trees can boost property value, whereas potential buyers may see unhealthy trees as a liability.

• Property Value: Healthy, mature trees can enhance the aesthetic appeal and overall value of a property.
• Liability Protection: A tree survey can reassure buyers that there are no safety concerns related to falling trees or invasive root systems.
• Environmental Appeal: For environmentally conscious buyers, showcasing the care taken to preserve trees can be a strong selling point.

Who Should Perform Tree Surveys?

Tree surveys should always be conducted by a qualified arborist or tree consultant. These professionals are trained to identify the health and safety risks associated with trees and provide expert recommendations for care, maintenance, or removal.

What to Look for in an Arborist

• Certification and Qualifications: Look for arborists who are certified by professional organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or equivalent local bodies.
• Experience: An experienced arborist will have a proven track record of conducting tree surveys on a variety of properties, from residential to commercial.
• Knowledge of Local Regulations: Arborists should be well-versed in local tree protection laws and planning permissions to ensure compliance during the survey process.

What Happens After a Tree Survey?

Once the tree survey is completed, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the health and condition of the trees on your property, as well as any recommendations for action. This report typically includes:

• Maintenance Suggestions: If the survey identifies any issues, the arborist will recommend treatments such as pruning, cabling, or fertilization.
• Tree Removal Recommendations: In some cases, trees may need to be removed if they pose a risk to property or people.
• Tree Protection Measures: If you’re planning a construction project, the report will outline how to protect certain trees from damage during the work.

Taking Action Based on the Report

Once you have the report in hand, it’s important to follow the recommendations provided by the arborist to ensure the health and safety of your trees. This might involve hiring professionals to prune, treat, or remove trees as necessary.

Conclusion

Tree surveys are essential for maintaining the health, safety, and value of your property’s trees. They help prevent accidents, comply with legal requirements, and preserve the environmental benefits that trees provide. Knowing when to perform tree surveys—such as before buying or selling a property, after severe weather, or during development projects—ensures that you’re taking the right steps to protect both your property and the environment. Regular tree surveys, conducted by qualified professionals, are a small investment that can prevent significant issues down the line, ensuring that your trees thrive for years to come.