What Is a Tree Survey?
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by: Gareth Hoyle
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Word Count: 345
Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2011 Time: 12:20 AM
As you might expect a tree survey examines an area or habitat for trees. It identifies the species of trees in an area, the age of those trees and the health of those trees. It also looks at whether those trees are protected under the law, from being moved or destroyed and looks at the impact that tree has on the surrounding area. For example whether it is a home for rare or protected birds or insects and whether the removal of that tree will have a negative impact on the surrounding area.
Who Needs A Tree Survey?
Anyone who wants to drastically cut back, move or remove a mature tree for whatever reason may need a tree survey. The reason for this is that even privately owned trees are now protected by planning law BS5837. Local authorities are obliged by law to stop mature trees from disappearing from the landscape even if they are located on private property.
If you are planning an extension or want to build something and a tree is in the way you can no longer simply cut it down. What you can do with that tree is now stipulated as part of the planning process. This means that you may need to include a tree survey as part of your application for planning permission.
The age and health of a tree is part of what decides whether it needs to be retained or can be removed to make way for your building. To accurately assess the age and condition of a tree you need the services of an ecologist.
Finding an Ecologist to Carry Out Your Tree Survey
The best way to find an ecologist is to do an online search. The search term 'tree survey +your county' will usually find you a firm of ecology consultants with ecologists on their books that can carry out your tree survey for you. Take your time before actually employing one and get several quotes. Look for those ecologists whose reports have been accepted as part of a planning process in the past.
About the Author
If you think you may need a <a href="http://www.arbtech.co.uk/">tree survey</a> give Arbtech a call. They will tell you if one is necessary and send you one of their ecologists to do it for you should you so wish.
