Tree inspections SIR, Recently there have been several high profile cases reported by the media concerning trees falling and causing injury or damage to buildings. This has led to a new standard for inspecting trees for signs of hazards and a qualification level for tree inspections offered through the Arboricultural Association. With the new British Standard 8516/2008 for tree inspections soon to be released there will be a requirement for tree owners to have their trees inspected regularly by qualified professional tree inspectors. Visual inspections should be carried out by a ley person annually. Then every 2-3 years the trees should be inspected at basic level by a person qualified as a basic tree inspector. The trees would also need to be inspected by an expert Professional tree inspector every five years. If the trees are within falling distance of any persons or property (targets) then a level of risk would have to be determined and if necessary acted upon. If the trees are not within distance of anything which may be harmed then there is no risk and subsequently the trees would not usually need to be inspected. When trees are inspected and a defect or disease is found it does not always mean the tree has to be felled, in many cases correct tree management can reduce the risk posed by the tree to an acceptable level, this will hopefully reduce the amount of amenity trees felled without good reason. Qualified professional tree inspectors can be contacted through their local town or county council. If you are concerned about your trees and the new legislation and would like more information please telephone me on 01600 772294 or e mail [email protected]">[email protected] Steve Wadley (Monmouthshire)
