Tree inspection process
Pages in Tree inspection process
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Guiding principles and legal obligations
- 3. Duty of care
- 4. Hazard and risk
- 5. Tree inspections
- 6. Identification of hazards and intervention/response times
- 7. You are here: Assessment of risk
- 8. Frequency and method of inspection
- 9. Competent persons and keeping records
- 10. Fallen timber and stumps
- 11. Storms and aftermath inspections
- 12. Map of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council managed land
- 13. Requests from residents for non-safety tree related works
- 14. Notifications regarding works to borough owned trees
- 15. Tree felling and planting
- 16. Appendices
7. Assessment of risk
The frequency of inspection is a matter of informed judgment and periodic review. Using training, previous knowledge of the site(s) and common sense, the Tree and Woodland Officers assesses the risk posed by the tree stock and will seek advice from colleagues when additional information is required.
Although inspections are carried out and every effort is made to identify potential hazards, it is important to note that no tree can ever be guaranteed to be 100% safe.
To make the tree inspection programme manageable, the areas where there is potentially greatest risk to people and property have been prioritised through perceived level of risk.
Sites are described as below:
Table 1: Tree inspection matrix
| Target zone | Examples of target zone | Level of inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | Remote or inaccessible areas– no formal footpaths, areas of low occupancy or areas with no vulnerable or high value targets (A target is anything of value which could be damaged by a tree’s failure including people, property, or activities) | Casual observation. |
| Medium risk | Trees within falling distance of foot paths with moderate use. Car park areas. | Basic - inspect only for external signs of defects. |
| High risk | Well used public areas. Trees within falling distance of A category roads e.g. A217, or children’s play areas. | Basic as per above. Detailed arboricultural inspection when defects detected on high amenity value tree(s) (High amenity value trees have a notable value in terms of visual, social, and environmental benefits.) |
Target areas are areas where trees and branches can fall and cause damage. These zones reflect normal usage and will be kept under review. The level of risk within a zone may change, over time, as new facilities or activities occur on the site.
For example, a desire line may change, or an event held within a low-risk area may permanently or temporarily change its status to a medium or high-risk zone.
The designation of risk zones is a matter of informed judgment and periodic review. The Tree and Woodlands Officer in conjunction with colleagues where appropriate, will periodically reassess the risk zones and adjust the inspection regime accordingly.