What training/qualification to carry out tree surveys by law?

[mattyboy]

What is a good idea to have and what is required by law to carry out and write tree reports for a customer?

[Arborist]

Have a look on tree life's web site, they do the PTI and a report writing course.

[arboriculturist]

If I instruct a professional to give me advice the first thing I look for is some heavy duty letters after their name and these are not something you can buy.

 

Give advice on trees and you are generally taking on board the liability for the tree.

 

Looking at something credible like Tech.Cert.Arb., FdSc.Arb.

 

No shortcuts here I would suggest.

 

Hope this helps a little.

[combined tree services]

I think it depends on the level of information you are giving/ asked to give , let's be honest there is quite a varying scale from a tree safety/ hazard report - the management of decaying/ declining trees right through to the more academic 5837 work

[arboriculturist]

If you are charging for advice on whatever level you need to make sure your P.I Insurance and qualifications will stand up to scrutiny.

Have no delusions that when push comes to shove you will be right in the firing line should a significant tree related event occur that results in litigation.

[daltontrees]

what is required by law to carry out and write tree reports for a customer?

 

Unfortunately, nothing.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Have a look at:

 

National Tree Safety Group, Common Sense Risk Management of Trees, Guidance on Trees & Public Safety for Owners, Managers and Advisors

 

First published in December 2011 by

Forestry Commission, Silvan House, 231 Corstorphine Road, edinburgh eH12 7At.

 

ISBN 978-0-85538-840-9

 

Google & download available free.

 

Para 3 "..it is of note that the Hse states in the Hse sector information minute Management of the risk from falling trees (Hse 2007), that: “for trees in a frequently visited zone, a system for periodic, proactive checks is appropriate. this should involve a quick visual check for obvious signs that a tree is likely to be unstable and be carried out by a person with a working knowledge of trees and their defects, but who need not be an arboricultural specialist. Informing staff who work in parks or highways as to what to look for would normally suffice”.

 

This may not be specifically applicable to the area or situation you are seeking clarity but might give an indication....?

[Chris at eden]

It depends on who is inspecting the trees and why. NTSG identifies diferent levels of responsibillity and how to discharge the duty of care. For example it is fine for a private resident to monitor his own tree through informal observations. i.e. just keeping a general eye on tree condition while cutting the lawns and then calling in a professional when required.

 

The same document discusses the responsibillity of a rural council in section 5. It states that highway trees are inspected proactively by highways officers in the first instance and any concerns are relayed to the tree officer who has a level 3 arb qualification for a detailed inspection. I see no reason why this cant be applied across the board. If a gardener inspects a tree and cannot decide what to do he should seek professional advice and in my view this means level 3. OK it doesn't specifically say this but its about what the courts consider to be reasonable if something goes wrong. There is also a bench mark qualification in Lantra PTI for professional tree inspection. This again would be reasonable in my view.

 

The AA reg consultants list requires that you have level 5, the ICF is level 6 i think, and CAS is level 4. These are all relevant as you could use them to make your case to the judge if you wanted to discredit someone.

 

If the prosecution were to say this chap has a level 2 qualification and presenting himself as a professional or expert, yet all these organisations say at least level 4 for professional membership, NTSG discusses L3, plus if you wish to gain the Lantra PTI the pre-requisite is L3 arb qualification!!! It would be very difficult to argue and put up a suitable defence.

 

There is no legal requirement but there are plenty of indicators out there to say what you should have. As someone already stated 5837 and subs investigation are at a higher level and i dont think you would get the required skills at level 3. This is based on my own experience of going through L2, L3, L4, and L6 to see what is covered at the different levels. Some may have a different experience so thats just my view.

 

Cheers,

[Chris at eden]

p.s. Sorry about the typo's!!! These are a definite no no in written reports for the record.

[Tony.Price]

Good discussion Chris,

 

Basic tree inspection courses are available through the AA, L2, which are adequate for informal and formal inspections although experience and knowledge through working with trees is felt to be adequate also! I agree the L3 PTI is a benchmark for formal inspections but on its own is not a licence to practice consultancy!

 

The competence of the inspector is measured through knowledge of the subject, qualification and experience coupled with the backing of adequate PI & PL ins's. A point made by Claus Mattheck at one of the symbiosis seminars this year was, we must stay within our level of knowledge and not comment on anything we do not fully comprehend ourselves or we could find ourselves sinking in deep water if something goes wrong!

 

More specialist detailed inspections therefore must be afforded to inspectors with the experience, knowledge and understanding of the subject. The proof of which is higher education >L6 qualifications and being registered to either the ICF or AA.

 

Tree Life at Syston are worthy of a call to discuss career options.