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What Happens During a Professional Tree Survey?

If you’re thinking about cutting down or carrying out significant work to a tree on your property, it is important to check whether the tree is protected before any work begins.

If you’re concerned about the condition of a tree, planning building work near mature trees or responsible for maintaining trees on a property, you may need a professional tree survey.

A tree survey helps assess the condition, structure and potential risks associated with trees. Depending on the purpose of the survey, it can also provide information about tree health, recommended maintenance and how trees may be affected by proposed development.

At Oxleas Tree Care, we provide tree surveys and professional tree surgery services across South East London and Kent. In this guide, we explain what happens during a professional tree survey, what the surveyor looks for and when you might need one.

What Is a Professional Tree Survey?

A professional tree survey is an assessment of one or more trees carried out to gather information about their condition, characteristics and management requirements.

The scope of the survey depends on why it is being undertaken.

For example, a homeowner may want a tree assessed because it has developed a lean or has several dead branches. A property manager may need a survey to help plan tree maintenance across a residential development. A developer may require a survey to understand how proposed construction work could affect existing trees.

A tree survey can help identify visible defects, assess potential risks and provide recommendations for appropriate tree management.

It is important to understand that not every tree survey serves the same purpose. A general tree condition survey is different from a specialist survey required to support a planning application.

When Might You Need a Tree Survey?

There are several situations where a professional tree survey may be appropriate.
Common reasons include:

Concerns about tree safety: A tree has developed a lean, visible cracks, dead branches or other signs of possible structural weakness.
Storm damage: A tree has been affected by strong winds or has suffered damage to its branches, trunk or roots.
Property management: A landlord, managing agent or organisation needs information about the condition of trees on land it manages.
Construction or development: Building work is proposed near existing trees, and their condition and potential protection requirements need to be assessed.
Tree health concerns: A tree is showing signs of decline, disease or unusual growth.
Routine tree management: A property owner wants professional advice on maintaining mature trees.

The purpose of the survey should be established before work begins so that the appropriate assessment can be arranged.

1. Initial Discussion and Understanding Your Concerns

A professional tree survey usually begins with a discussion about the reason for the assessment.

The surveyor may ask what concerns you have, whether you’ve noticed any recent changes in the tree and what you intend to do with the property or surrounding area.

For example, you may have noticed a large branch hanging over your roof, a tree leaning after a storm or roots close to a proposed extension.

If the survey relates to development, information such as site plans or details of the proposed work may also be needed.

This initial discussion helps establish the scope and objectives of the tree survey.

2. Identifying and Recording the Trees

During the site visit, the surveyor identifies the trees included in the assessment.

Depending on the survey, information recorded may include:

Tree species.
Approximate height and stem diameter.
Crown spread and general structure.
Age class and overall condition.
Location in relation to buildings and other features.
Visible defects or signs of deterioration.

For sites containing multiple trees, individual trees may be numbered and recorded so they can be clearly identified within the survey findings.

This provides a useful record of the trees and their condition at the time of inspection.

3. Assessing the Tree’s Health and Condition

One of the main elements of a tree condition survey is assessing the visible health and structure of the tree.

The surveyor will generally examine accessible parts of the tree from ground level, looking for signs that may indicate problems.

These can include dead or damaged branches, fungal growth, cavities, cracks, unusual foliage, structural weaknesses and evidence of root disturbance.

The surveyor may also consider the tree’s overall growth, condition and surrounding environment.

A tree that appears unhealthy does not automatically need to be removed.

Equally, a tree with healthy foliage can sometimes have structural defects that require further investigation.

The purpose of the assessment is to understand the condition of the tree and determine whether any action is necessary.

4. Looking for Potential Safety Risks

Where tree safety is part of the survey, the assessment considers visible defects and the potential consequences of tree or branch failure.

The surveyor may look at:

Large dead or damaged branches.
Cracks in the trunk or major branch unions.
Signs of decay or structural weakness.
Root damage or movement.
A sudden or unusual lean.
Branches extending over buildings, roads or frequently used areas.

The surroundings of the tree are important.

Example, a defective branch over a regularly used footpath may require a different management response from a similar branch in an area where people rarely go.

A professional assessment helps determine whether the tree requires maintenance, further investigation, monitoring or more substantial work.

5. Checking the Tree’s Surroundings

A tree survey does not focus solely on the tree itself.

The surrounding environment can affect both the condition of the tree and the appropriate management recommendations.

Factors that may be considered include nearby buildings, roads, footpaths, boundary walls, changes in ground levels, previous excavation work and evidence of damage to the rooting area.

Construction work and landscaping can sometimes affect trees by damaging roots or changing soil conditions.

Understanding these factors can help explain existing problems and identify potential future concerns.

6. Identifying Whether Further Investigation Is Needed

Most routine tree condition surveys involve a visual assessment, often undertaken from ground level.

However, some defects cannot be fully assessed through visual inspection alone.

Where necessary, the surveyor may recommend additional investigation, which could include a closer inspection of the crown, assessment of a particular structural defect or specialist testing.

Not every tree requires these additional investigations.

They are normally considered where the initial assessment identifies an issue that needs further examination before an appropriate recommendation can be made.

7. Providing Findings and Recommendations

Following the inspection, the findings are explained to the client.

Depending on the agreed scope, a written report may also be provided.

A tree survey report can include information about the trees assessed, their condition, any significant defects identified and recommendations for further action.
Possible recommendations might include:

Removing dead or damaged branches.
Carrying out appropriate crown management.
Monitoring a particular defect.
Arranging further investigation.
Reviewing the tree after a specified period or significant event.
Considering tree removal where the condition and circumstances justify it.

The recommendations should be proportionate to the condition of the tree and the risks identified.

A professional tree survey does not automatically result in a recommendation for pruning or felling. In some cases, no immediate work may be necessary.

What Is Included in a Tree Survey Report?

The contents of a tree survey report depend on the purpose and agreed scope of the assessment.

For a general tree condition survey, the report may contain tree identification details, observations about the condition of each tree, significant defects and recommendations for maintenance or further assessment.

Where several trees are included, a schedule or plan may be used to identify individual trees.

For development-related surveys, additional information may be required, including measurements and categorisation in accordance with relevant standards.

Before arranging a survey, it is worth confirming exactly what type of report you need and what will be included.

What Is a BS5837 Tree Survey?

A BS5837 tree survey is associated with proposed construction and development near trees.

BS5837 is the British Standard covering trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.

A survey undertaken for development purposes typically records information about existing trees and helps inform decisions about site layout, tree retention and protection during construction.

Depending on the project, further documents such as an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Tree Protection Plan or Arboricultural Method Statement may be required.

A BS5837 survey is different from a routine tree safety or condition survey.

If you require tree information for a planning application, confirm that the survey provider can deliver the specific documents required by the local planning authority.

Do I Need a Tree Survey Before Building an Extension?

Not every extension requires a tree survey.

However, where mature trees are located close to the proposed work, the local planning authority may require information about them as part of the planning process.

Trees on neighbouring land can also be relevant if their roots or crowns may be affected by the development.

A tree survey can help identify potential constraints before construction begins, allowing appropriate decisions to be made about the design and protection of retained trees.

If you’re planning an extension near mature trees, it is sensible to establish any survey requirements early in the project.

How Long Does a Professional Tree Survey Take?

The time required depends on the number of trees, their size and condition, site access and the level of detail needed.

An assessment of a single tree in a residential garden may be relatively straightforward, while a survey covering numerous trees across a commercial or residential site can take considerably longer.

The time needed to prepare any written report should also be considered separately from the site visit.

The survey provider should be able to explain the likely process once the scope of work has been established.

How Much Does a Tree Survey Cost?

The cost of a professional tree survey varies depending on the purpose of the assessment and the work involved.

Factors that can affect the price include the number of trees, site size, access, survey complexity, whether a written report is required and whether specialist investigations are necessary.

A routine condition assessment of one tree will generally involve a different level of work from a detailed development-related survey covering an entire site.

For an accurate quotation, explain why you need the survey and whether you require a particular report or planning document.

Can a Tree Survey Help Prevent Tree Removal?

In some circumstances, yes.

A professional assessment can identify whether a tree can be appropriately managed rather than removed.

For example, a concern involving dead branches may be addressed through selective pruning, while other issues may require monitoring or further investigation.

However, there are situations where a tree is too severely compromised to be reasonably retained.

The purpose of a tree survey is to provide an informed assessment and appropriate recommendations, not to assume that every tree needs work or that removal is always necessary.

Professional Tree Surveys Across South East London and Kent

Whether you’re concerned about a tree’s condition, managing trees on a property or looking for advice before carrying out tree work, a professional assessment can help you make informed decisions.

At Oxleas Tree Care, we provide tree surveys and professional tree surgery services across South East London and Kent, including Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Bexleyheath and surrounding areas.

Our team can discuss your requirements, assess the trees and advise on appropriate next steps.

Need a professional tree survey? Contact Oxleas Tree Care to discuss your requirements and request a quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a tree survey involve?

A tree survey generally involves inspecting and recording information about a tree’s species, size, condition, structure and surroundings. The surveyor may identify defects and recommend maintenance, monitoring or further investigation where appropriate.

Do I need a tree survey for a tree in my garden?

Not necessarily. However, a professional assessment can be useful if the tree is damaged, declining, leaning or causing concern. A survey may also be required in certain planning or development situations.

Can a tree survey tell me if a tree is dangerous?

A tree safety or condition survey can identify visible defects and assess potential risks within the agreed scope of inspection. However, no survey can guarantee that a tree will never fail, and further investigation may sometimes be needed.

Do tree surveys include a written report?

This depends on the service agreed. Some assessments may involve advice following a site visit, while others include a formal written report. Confirm the deliverables before booking.

What is the difference between a tree survey and a BS5837 survey?

A general tree condition survey focuses on tree health, structure and management requirements. A BS5837 survey is undertaken in relation to proposed development and helps inform planning, design and tree protection decisions.

How often should trees be surveyed?

There is no single inspection interval suitable for every tree. The appropriate frequency depends on factors such as the tree’s condition, location, level of use of the surrounding area and previous findings.

Will a tree survey mean I have to cut down my tree?

No. A survey may recommend pruning, monitoring, further investigation or no immediate work. Tree removal is generally considered where the condition and circumstances justify it.