Professional Tree Surveys & Arboricultural Assessments
A professional tree survey provides a clear assessment of the condition, health and potential risks associated with trees on a property or site. It can help homeowners, landowners, businesses, schools, property managers and developers understand their trees and make informed decisions about future management.
Oxleas Tree Care provides professional tree surveys and arboricultural assessments across London, South East London and Kent.
Working with experienced and qualified arboricultural consultants, we can assess individual trees or larger tree populations and provide clear recommendations based on their condition, location and surrounding environment.
Whether you are concerned about the safety of a tree, managing trees across a commercial property, purchasing a property or planning a development, a professional tree survey can provide the information you need.
Oxleas Tree Survey Services
What Is a Tree Survey?
A tree survey is a professional inspection and assessment of trees within a defined property, site or area.
Depending on the purpose of the survey, information recorded can include:
- Tree species
- Tree location
- Approximate dimensions
- Age or life-stage classification
- General condition
- Structural condition
- Physiological health
- Visible defects
- Dead or damaged branches
- Evidence of pests or disease
- Potential hazards
- Relationship with buildings and surrounding features
- Recommended tree works
- Recommended inspection periods
For sites containing multiple trees, survey information can also be mapped and organised to provide an effective tree management record.
Why Have a Tree Survey?
Trees are living structures and their condition can change over time.
Storm damage, disease, decay, environmental stress, ground conditions and natural ageing can all affect a tree’s health and structural integrity.
A professional tree survey can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.
Tree surveys can be useful for:
- Assessing potentially dangerous trees
- Planning future tree maintenance
- Meeting property management responsibilities
- Managing trees in public or frequently used areas
- Supporting planning applications
- Assessing trees before purchasing a property
- Investigating potential tree-related subsidence
- Managing large numbers of trees
- Identifying trees requiring further investigation
- Prioritising necessary tree work
The purpose of the survey determines the level of detail and type of assessment required.
Tree Condition Surveys
A tree condition survey assesses the health and structural condition of one or more trees.
Our consultants look for visible signs that could indicate deterioration, damage or structural weakness.
These may include:
- Deadwood
- Cracks or splits
- Cavities
- Decay
- Fungal fruiting bodies
- Damaged branches
- Weak branch unions
- Changes in tree vitality
- Root or ground disturbance
- Significant leaning
- Storm damage
- Evidence of pests or disease
The survey findings can then be used to recommend appropriate management.
Recommendations might include monitoring, pruning, deadwood removal, further specialist investigation or, where necessary, tree removal.
Tree Risk Assessments
Where trees are located close to houses, roads, footpaths, schools, workplaces or other areas regularly used by people, understanding potential tree-related risks is particularly important.
A tree risk assessment considers both the condition of the tree and its surroundings.
Rather than simply identifying defects, the assessment considers the context in which the tree is growing and whether further action is appropriate.
The objective is to provide proportionate, professional recommendations that allow trees to be managed safely without unnecessary intervention.
Tree Surveys for Planning & Development
Trees can be an important consideration when planning building work or development.
Where trees are present on or close to a proposed development site, the local planning authority may require arboricultural information as part of the planning process.
Depending on the project, this can include a tree survey undertaken with reference to BS 5837: Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations.
A development-related tree survey can identify trees that may influence the design and construction process and provide information such as:
- Tree locations
- Species
- Dimensions
- Condition
- Quality and value categories
- Root Protection Areas
- Constraints associated with retained trees
- Trees proposed for retention or removal
Identifying these constraints early can help architects, developers and property owners incorporate existing trees into the design process.
BS5837 Tree Surveys
BS5837 provides recommendations for considering trees during the design, demolition and construction process.
A BS5837 tree survey is commonly required where a planning application involves development on a site containing trees or where trees close to the site could be affected by the proposed work.
The survey helps establish which trees should be considered during the planning process and the space required to protect retained trees.
Depending on the development and planning requirements, additional arboricultural documents may also be required following the initial survey.
Our team can discuss your project and help establish the type of arboricultural input required.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments
Where development is proposed around existing trees, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) may be required.
The assessment considers how the proposed development could affect existing trees and how those trees may influence the development.
Issues can include:
- Tree removal
- Root Protection Areas
- Building positions
- Access routes
- Changes in ground levels
- Construction activity
- Services and utilities
- Hard landscaping
- Long-term relationships between retained trees and new buildings
An AIA can help demonstrate how important trees will be retained and protected while allowing appropriate development to proceed.
Tree Protection During Construction
Trees retained on development sites need to be protected from damage during construction.
Tree roots can be harmed by excavation, soil compaction, changes in ground levels, storage of materials and vehicle movements.
Where required, appropriate tree protection measures can be identified as part of the arboricultural planning process.
These can include designated Root Protection Areas, protective fencing and working methods designed to minimise damage to retained trees.
Planning tree protection before construction begins is significantly easier than attempting to repair damage after it has occurred.
Tree Surveys for Property Buyers & Homeowners
If you are considering purchasing a property with large or mature trees, a specialist tree survey can provide additional information that may not be covered by a standard building survey.
The assessment can help identify:
- Potentially hazardous trees
- Significant defects
- Likely maintenance requirements
- Trees requiring further investigation
- Potential conflicts with buildings
- Protected-tree considerations
- Possible future tree management costs
This information can help prospective buyers make a more informed decision before completing a property purchase.
Existing homeowners can also request surveys where they are concerned about the health, condition or safety of trees within their garden.
Tree Surveys for Schools
Schools frequently have mature trees located close to playgrounds, paths, car parks, buildings and other heavily used areas.
Regular professional inspection can form an important part of responsible tree management.
A school tree survey can identify trees requiring attention and provide a prioritised programme of recommended works.
This can help schools manage their tree stock proactively whilst maintaining the environmental, educational and aesthetic benefits that healthy trees provide.
Commercial Tree Surveys
Oxleas Tree Care provides professional tree surveys for commercial properties and larger estates.
We can work with:
- Businesses
- Schools
- Housing associations
- Property management companies
- Local authorities
- Commercial landlords
- Contractors
- Developers
- Estates
- Public-sector organisations
For organisations responsible for significant numbers of trees, a structured tree survey can provide a practical basis for ongoing inspection, budgeting and maintenance.
Tree Surveys for Housing Associations & Property Managers
Housing associations and property managers may be responsible for trees across numerous residential developments and communal areas.
A professional tree survey can help establish:
- What trees are present
- Their current condition
- Which trees require work
- The priority of recommended work
- Appropriate future inspection intervals
This creates a clearer framework for managing tree maintenance across larger property portfolios.
Tree Mapping & Tree Inventories
Where multiple trees are present, creating a structured tree inventory can make future management considerably easier.
Individual trees can be recorded and referenced so that their condition, recommendations and future inspections can be tracked over time.
A tree inventory may include information such as:
- Tree reference number
- Location
- Species
- Dimensions
- Condition
- Recommended work
- Priority
- Future inspection recommendations
This is particularly useful for schools, estates, housing developments, commercial properties and organisations responsible for larger tree populations.
Tree Surveys & Your Duty of Care
Landowners and organisations responsible for trees have responsibilities relating to the reasonable management of foreseeable risks.
A proportionate system of tree inspection and maintenance can help demonstrate that trees are being managed responsibly.
The appropriate inspection regime will vary depending on the number of trees, their condition, location and the level of public access around them.
Professional tree surveys provide documented information that can help property owners and organisations identify appropriate actions and prioritise tree management.
Tree Surveys for Subsidence Concerns
Trees are sometimes considered as a potential factor where movement or cracking has affected a building.
Tree-related subsidence is a complex issue and should not be assumed simply because trees are located close to a property.
Factors such as:
- Soil type
- Tree species
- Tree size
- Distance from the building
- Root activity
- Foundation depth
- Weather conditions
- Other structural factors
Where tree-related subsidence is suspected, specialist arboricultural assessment can form part of a wider investigation involving other appropriate professionals.
Removing a tree should not automatically be regarded as the solution without appropriate evidence and assessment.
Tree Preservation Orders & Conservation Areas
A tree survey may identify trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a Conservation Area.
These designations can affect what tree work can legally be undertaken.
Where recommended works involve protected trees, appropriate consent or notification may be required before work begins.
Our team can advise where tree protection considerations may affect the recommendations arising from a survey.
What Happens After a Tree Survey?
Once the survey has been completed, the findings can be used to determine what action, if any, is required.
Recommendations may include:
- No immediate work
- Routine monitoring
- Tree pruning
- Crown reduction
- Crown lifting
- Crown thinning
- Deadwood removal
- Further specialist investigation
- Tree removal
- Reinspection at a future date
Not every defect identified during a survey means that a tree needs to be removed.
Professional tree management aims to retain healthy trees where appropriate whilst addressing genuine risks and management requirements.
Where tree work is recommended, Oxleas Tree Care can also provide professional tree surgery services to complete the required work.
Independent Arboricultural Expertise
Our tree survey service is delivered with the support of experienced arboricultural consultants, providing professional and objective advice based on the condition of the trees and requirements of the site.
Our accredited consultants are Level 3 qualified and have a combined experience of more than 10 years.
The consultancy service is backed by £1 million professional indemnity insurance, while Oxleas Tree Care carries £15 million public liability cover.
This combination of professional consultancy and practical tree surgery experience means we can support customers from initial assessment and recommendations through to the completion of any necessary tree work.
Tree Surveys Across London, South East London & Kent
Oxleas Tree Care provides professional tree surveys and arboricultural assessments throughout London, South East London and Kent, including:
Bromley, Beckenham, Chislehurst, Greenwich, Lewisham, Croydon, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Welling, Biggin Hill, West Wickham, Swanley, Woolwich, Belvedere, Erith and Gravesend, as well as surrounding areas.
Whether you need an assessment of a single tree, a tree survey for a property purchase, arboricultural information for a planning application or a comprehensive survey of trees across a commercial site, contact our team to discuss your requirements.
Tree Survey FAQs
What is included in a tree survey?
The exact content depends on the purpose of the survey. A typical assessment can record the tree’s species, location, approximate dimensions, age, condition, visible defects and recommended management. Larger surveys may also include tree mapping and prioritised recommendations.
When do I need a tree survey?
You may need a tree survey if you are concerned about the safety or health of a tree, responsible for trees on a commercial or public site, purchasing a property, planning building work or need to establish an ongoing tree management programme.
What is a BS5837 tree survey?
A BS5837 survey assesses trees in relation to proposed design, demolition and construction work. It provides information that can help developers, architects and planning authorities understand the constraints associated with trees on or close to a development site.
Do I need a tree survey for planning permission?
A tree survey may be required where a proposed development could affect trees on or close to the site. The requirements depend on the development and the local planning authority. It is often beneficial to consider trees early in the design process.
Can you survey a tree before I buy a house?
Yes. A specialist tree survey can provide information about significant trees on a property, including their condition, potential risks and likely future maintenance requirements.
How often should trees be surveyed?
There is no single inspection interval appropriate for every tree. Frequency depends on factors including the condition of the trees, their location, age, surrounding land use and level of risk. The surveyor can recommend an appropriate future inspection interval.
Does a tree survey mean trees will need to be cut down?
No. Tree surveys are intended to provide objective information about tree condition and appropriate management. Many trees may require no work or only routine maintenance. Tree removal is generally recommended only where circumstances justify it.
Can a tree survey identify dangerous trees?
A professional inspection can identify visible defects and other factors that may indicate an increased level of risk. In some cases, further specialist investigation may be recommended before a management decision is made.
Can you survey trees for schools and commercial properties?
Yes. We provide tree surveys for schools, housing associations, businesses, property managers, commercial sites and public-sector organisations, including sites containing larger numbers of trees.
Can you carry out the work recommended in the survey?
Yes. Where appropriate, Oxleas Tree Care can provide the tree surgery recommended following the survey, including tree pruning, crown management, deadwood removal and tree removal.
Can you assess trees for subsidence?
Yes. Arboricultural assessment can contribute to an investigation where tree-related subsidence is suspected. However, subsidence can have several causes and may require evidence and input from other relevant professionals before conclusions are reached.
How much does a tree survey cost?
The cost depends on the type of survey required, the number of trees, size and complexity of the site, location and level of reporting required. Contact us with details of your requirements and we can advise on the appropriate survey and provide a quotation.
What our Clients Say
Trusted by Leading Businesses and Organisations
Our experience extends beyond residential tree surgery.
Oxleas Tree Care has worked with established businesses, contractors, local authorities and public-sector organisations, demonstrating our ability to undertake professional tree works across a wide variety of sites.
From individual projects to larger commercial requirements, we bring the same focus on safety, reliability and professional workmanship to every job.
Accredited Tree Surgeons You Can Trust
Professional Standards. Recognised Accreditations. Proven Experience.
Our accreditations reflect our commitment to professional standards, health and safety and high-quality tree surgery.
For residential customers, these standards provide reassurance that their trees and property are being managed professionally.
For commercial and public-sector clients, our accreditations support the compliance, health and safety and contractor-management requirements associated with larger tree work programmes.