Why add weather?

[sloth]

Am I missing something here? Lonsdales principles of tree hazard assessment and the last 5837 pro forma (there isn't one in the latest, and I don't think it is mentioned) specifically suggest commenting on the weather at the time of surveying trees. Can anyone enlighten me as to why? Surely if any adverse weather conditions affected the survey it would be commented on as a separate issue, so why include it as standard?

Thanks in advance, Kev...

[Paul Cleaver]

dont know for sure - I like to asses trees when its breezy as I can have a good look at the base of the trees for signs of movement

[HCR]

Barristers will often ask for little obscure details (such as the weather) during cross examination. When the witness isn't sure, it can have the effect of reducing his/her credibility.

 

Not saying this is the reason, but (1) it's a possibility and (2) recording those details means that you can't be caught out.

[sloth]

Barristers will often ask for little obscure details (such as the weather) during cross examination. When the witness isn't sure, it can have the effect of reducing his/her credibility.

 

Not saying this is the reason, but (1) it's a possibility and (2) recording those details means that you can't be caught out.

 

Interesting. I wonder what other obscure details have been questioned in the past

[HCR]

Interesting. I wonder what other obscure details have been questioned in the past

 

Any detail at all - especially if there is a possibility of tripping the witness up with it.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

dont know for sure - I like to asses trees when its breezy as I can have a good look at the base of the trees for signs of movement

 

Hi Paul,

 

Perhaps that's exactly why, i.e. if it was a still day when you inspected the tree and then subsequently it failed, at the base/rootplate, on a windy day you may have some level of defence if challenged...dunno!

 

Cheers..

Paul

[oslac]

One of the problems with stating what the weather is, is that it is not quantifiable. Its based on an opinion by someone who isn't an expert in weather conditions. The comments within a report are usually no more than a sentence and all in all is meaningless.

 

If a part of the tree survey cannot be carried out because of some weather condition, I don't think that would go down too well in court, especially if the report is for a hazard assessment. The report would need to be clear that the tree couldn't be fully surveyed and give the reason why and ideally that the tree should be re-visited to complete the survey.

[HCR]

Hi Paul,

 

Perhaps that's exactly why, i.e. if it was a still day when you inspected the tree and then subsequently it failed, at the base/rootplate, on a windy day you may have some level of defence if challenged...dunno!

 

Cheers..

Paul

 

Seems fair enough.

 

Also, in biological recording in general, weather conditions are noted. Not that trees only come out in nice weather...

[Amelanchier]

The thing is, if the weather impeded your inspection in any way (i.e., rain / fog) why would you continue inspecting in the knowledge that your conclusions would be deficient?

[HCR]

The thing is, if the weather impeded your inspection in any way (i.e., rain / fog) why would you continue inspecting in the knowledge that your conclusions would be deficient?

 

Exactly. If I couldn't complete an inspection for any reason, I wouldn't call it an inspection.