Tree inspection process

Updated: October 2025.

These webpages aim to maintain the important balance between public safety and the conservation interests of the Reigate & Banstead Borough Council tree stock. It is based on the principle that a tree may suffer failure irrespective of age and that hazards need to be addressed in all trees where mechanical failure may result in harm (mechanical failure is where stress from external factors such as weather or vandalism etc lead to broken branches, stem/trunk fractures, or uprooting). By identifying those hazards which pose significant levels of risk and managing that risk (not necessarily by remedial action), we aim to conserve species, landscape value, and the habitats of woodlands and veteran trees without compromising public safety.

These webpages set out the tree inspection process for trees on land directly managed by our Greenspaces team. Work is currently underway to replicate this process for trees on Reigate & Banstead Borough Council owned land where that land is not currently managed by our Greenspaces team, in circumstances where the responsibility for tree management has not clearly been passed to a third party, such as to a tenant of an office premises or of open space such as a golf club.

The inspection process outlined in these webpages describe the method used by us to carry out tree safety inspections. Its purpose is to identify foreseeable hazards posed by trees, including veteran specimens, and to manage those hazards as far as is reasonably practicable.

It must be noted that two different response times are outlined within these webpages, inspection frequency of a site and intervention response time to a defect. 

• Inspection frequency of a site – how often an area is inspected by a competent person (see Competent persons webpage)
• Intervention time for defects (defects are injuries, growth patterns, or conditions that weaken a tree's physical strength) – how soon a recorded defect is resolved

It also provides clear guidelines for those surveying Reigate & Banstead Borough Council owned land for hazardous trees (excluding land where tree responsibility lies with a leaseholder). It ensures that tree safety inspections do not lead to the loss of character or species diversity. Its aim is to assist with the estate management by ensuring that an appropriate balance is maintained between public safety, wildlife conservation, and that all reasonable measures are taken to comply with legal obligations.