tree surveying

[wrekin tree care]

Hi All after abit of advice i have been asked to do a tree survey for a company on one mature oak tree that is close to some foundations of a new build. I have been doing tree work for 12 years and just set up on my own and this is the first time i have been asked to survey. My question is do i require any tree inspection certificates etc my theory qualifications are:

 

Rfs cert arb (the theory Part)

and im in my last year of my foundation degree at myerscough college (on-line)

 

Should i wait to achieve my degree before taking on surveys?

 

any advice would be appreciated

[ben lightfoot]

If its a tree condition survey then probably not too big an ask, but if an indepth subsidence type report then it might be a good idea to at least have some form of help in how to go about and write one out professionally. I would suggest passing on to consultants but ask if you could help and see the process so you have an idea for the future?

[Gareth jones]

Hi All after abit of advice i have been asked to do a tree survey for a company on one mature oak tree that is close to some foundations of a new build. I have been doing tree work for 12 years and just set up on my own and this is the first time i have been asked to survey. My question is do i require any tree inspection certificates etc my theory qualifications are:

 

Rfs cert arb (the theory Part)

and im in my last year of my foundation degree at myerscough college (on-line)

 

Should i wait to achieve my degree before taking on surveys?

 

any advice would be appreciated

 

Just a thought, Do you have professional indemnity insurance? You may come unstuck if something goes wrong and the wording in your report pins you down to being partly responsible.

Gareth

[Gareth jones]

If its a tree condition survey then probably not too big an ask, but if an indepth subsidence type report then it might be a good idea to at least have some form of help in how to go about and write one out professionally. I would suggest passing on to consultants but ask if you could help and see the process so you have an idea for the future?

 

Cracking idea, consultancy and general tree care are miles apart from each other interms of skill set in our industry!

[Dirtybrit]

Professional indemnity insurance is a must. If they've asked for a survey then your word forms a chunk of their statutory obligations with regards to the tree. If you miss something or they act in a daft manner as a result of your advice then you could be in trouble as you are their "expert consultant".

 

John, one of the arb faculty at Myerscough, has experience working in consultancy and could at least give you a couple of pointers with regards to risks/obligations.

[Jesse]

Make sure you have PI in place to cover it, and become an expert on NHBC Standards Chapter 4.2 Buildings near trees and how to do the calculations . Also 'Tree Roots in the Built Environment' research for amenity trees no 8, great book , ISBN 0-11-753620-2, Also get your self a British Geological Survey, sheet for your area they are only about £12 and it would assist you with other reports within that area.

[treequip]

Make sure you have PI in place to cover it, and become an expert on NHBC Standards Chapter 4.2 Buildings near trees and how to do the calculations . Also 'Tree Roots in the Built Environment' research for amenity trees no 8, great book , ISBN 0-11-753620-2, Also get your self a British Geological Survey, sheet for your area they are only about £12 and it would assist you with other reports within that area.

 

I would disagree with that statement, an arboricultural consultant should be a tree expert, venture outside of your specialism and you could find yourself in the dock saying "errrrrrr", when asked a question, you dont want to be saying errrrrrr when questioned the other sides brief.

[daltontrees]

It always seems to me that BS5837 is the nearest thing there is to a methodology and format for tree surveys. That and Visual Tree Assessment from 'Body Language of Trees'. 5837 defines an arboriculturalist as a 'person who has, through relevant education, training and experience, gained expertise in the field of trees in relation to construction'. Our insurance wouldn't cover us if we did surveys outwith expertise and we would always refer something on if a VTA was inconclusive or flagged up the need for further investigations. We don't have shrinkable clays up here but the thought of signing off nhbc subsidence calculations fills me with dread.

 

I agree with the advice about not calling yourself an expert. In court you would get taken apart. The gulf between 'expert' and 'gained expertise' is wide.

 

I would recommend the Lantra Professional Tree Inspection course and assessment Lantra Awards UK - Professional Tree Inspection - ITA course . It is could be just the right proof of competence for you at this stage. Nothing personal but if you don't know enough to pass that assessment you probably shouldn't sign off surveys.

 

And if you do nothing else get PI cover but first check what your insurer has to say about relevant expertise.