Tree Surveys

When you need a tree survey done, you may be wondering who you should call.  The answer is a tree surveyor, also known as an arboriculturalist.  An arboriculturalist is someone who not only can conduct a tree survey, but one who will give professional advice on the health and safety of the trees that you are concerned about.  Tree surveyors give extremely detailed reports regarding the age, species, and location of the tree, and they are also able to tell you about any signs of disease, how close they are to buildings and if there are any hazards involved with your tree.

Technically, anyone with extensive experience or knowledge of trees can do a tree survey, but there is a widespread amount of information that you must know to do a thorough and proper job.  Tree surveyors must know how to do a topographical map, a general tree report, as well as a tree hazard assessment.  This is on top of tree risk assessments, BS5837 inspections based on the British Standard, and they must be able to do BS5837 reports that will not only provide the consumer with a well documented report, but be able to stand up in a court of law.  Tree surveyors or aboriculturalists can and may be used as an expert witness in court and should be able to do so.  Although there are volunteer tree surveyors that get a basic training, it is more important to have a tree survey done by a qualified and reputable arboriculturalist.

An arboriculturalist is considered to be a tree specialist and will be able to deal with all aspects of maintaining, growing, and removing wood plants.  They work in urban areas, towns, and the countryside.  The variety of species and situations that the arboriculturalist must be prepared for is almost endless, and their knowledge is truly outstanding.  Again, there are no set minimum entry requirements to become an arboriculturalist, but there are a number of useful courses as well as certifications that one can obtain to become a tree surveyor.  When having anyone do a tree survey for you, it is important to hire a person or company with many of these certifications.

All arboriculture workers must be able to show complete competence in their job through the completion of National Proficiency Tests Council certificates or other certifications such as the National Certificate in Horticulture.  Schooling for the arboriculturalist is most always recommended if you are hiring tree surveyor or tree surgeon.  There are many arboriculture options at some colleges and universities and should be utilized.  Courses can last anywhere from a day to two years and a tree surveyor can receive their National Diploma in arboriculture, forestry, and Woodland Management.  There are various levels which will take tree surveyors from a basic tree surveyor to an expert.  Level 3 is the highest that can be obtained in regards to a certificate in arboriculture which can lead to expert jobs.  Through written exams and attendances at seminars one can receive a certified arborist qualification through the UK branch of the International Society of Arboriculture.  In conclusion, yes, anyone can do a tree survey, but you need a real professional who knows what they are doing so you can get the best results possible.