Tree Report.

[Mick Stockbridge]

I,ve been asked by a customer for a tree report that will be submitted to the council. In the past I have always passed this work on, but as the future is a little uncertain at the moment I would like to do this one myself. I will be making a site visit on Saturday to ascertain whether or not timber decking that,s been placed close around the tree,s will have any detrimental effect in the future. I can think of a couple of reasons why it should,nt be there but my question is, after twenty six years in this job, a handful of nptc tickets and no Tech Cert this or that after my name am I actually qualified to give such a report ?

[Rupe]

No.

 

But why is the report to be submitted to the council? Does the customer want to carry out some work on the tree? If so then your report can actually be a quote for work.

 

If its to satisfy to the council that the tree is safe and requires no work then i would stay well clear of it!

[gibbon]

I don't see why not, if you are confident of the information you put in the report is acurate. Recent court cases have shown that a formal qualification is not always essential in a tree survey. Knowing your limitations in any consultancy role is key imo.

[Buzz]

I to would do it, but would seek advice on wording etc. or you could drop yourself right in it !

[Jon Heuch]

i) do you have professional indemnity insurance and does your insurer know that they are covering you for writing reports? If no to either the little bit of extra money you may get from writing a report may be gobbled up some time later by the legal bills if things go wrong. Is the risk worth it?

 

ii) be clear on what advice you are being asked for. Clarify it, write it down and pass it back to your client for their agreement. Are you confident that a) you can provide that advice and b) if you passed your report in front of another consultant they would agree with you (in broad terms)? That includes what you don't write in your report just as much as what you do, so omissions from your report can be just as important as anything you commit to paper.

 

ii) what are the risks if you get it wrong? how bad could it get? The less letters you have after your name the less seriously you will be taken and the less likely you are to be sued so you might get away with it....there is logic in this argument but the explanation is too long to write it out here.

 

Just a few things to think about!

 

Jon

[Mark T]

i) do you have professional indemnity insurance and does your insurer know that they are covering you for writing reports? If no to either the little bit of extra money you may get from writing a report may be gobbled up some time later by the legal bills if things go wrong. Is the risk worth it?

 

ii) be clear on what advice you are being asked for. Clarify it, write it down and pass it back to your client for their agreement. Are you confident that a) you can provide that advice and b) if you passed your report in front of another consultant they would agree with you (in broad terms)? That includes what you don't write in your report just as much as what you do, so omissions from your report can be just as important as anything you commit to paper.

 

ii) what are the risks if you get it wrong? how bad could it get? The less letters you have after your name the less seriously you will be taken and the less likely you are to be sued so you might get away with it....there is logic in this argument but the explanation is too long to write it out here.

 

Just a few things to think about!

 

Jon

 

Like Jon said...!

[deano4321]

I use John Gillbert of tree ventures for any work like this. He is local to you, I am sure you can get a quote from him and put a margin on top for yourself. I find this the best approach as it takes any possible problems off of your shoulders. his website is http://www.treeventures.co.uk

[Mick Stockbridge]

I use John Gillbert of tree ventures for any work like this. He is local to you, I am sure you can get a quote from him and put a margin on top for yourself. I find this the best approach as it takes any possible problems off of your shoulders. his website is http://www.treeventures.co.uk

 

I know John well, he is one of two people that I usually pass this kind of work to. I do have P/I insurance which is why I thought I,d have a crack at it myself, that and the fact that I could ask advice on here. I will look on Saturday and then mull it over.

[Stephen Blair]

I know John well, he is one of two people that I usually pass this kind of work to. I do have P/I insurance which is why I thought I,d have a crack at it myself, that and the fact that I could ask advice on here. I will look on Saturday and then mull it over.

 

i am of similar breed stocks, except younger and more handsome lol

i just pass on the work to someone with the relevant qualifications and insurance and they pass me the cutting work. I know what you are saying though, but i would stick to the cutting mate, you obviously know what you are doing in that department.

[scotspine1]

I will be making a site visit on Saturday to ascertain whether or not timber decking that,s been placed close around the tree,s will have any detrimental effect in the future.

 

Why does the council want a tree report? what legislation does it relate to?