Tree Survey and Inspection Services by MINT Commercial Ltd.
MINT Commercial Ltd offers expert tree inspection services, carried out by our in-house LANTRA qualified inspector. Whether you're responsible for a commercial property that requires regular inspections to comply with safety regulations, or you're a homeowner concerned about a tree in your garden, our tree surveys and inspections provide the detailed information needed to make informed decisions, ensuring the safety and longevity of your trees.
Why You Might Need a Tree Survey or Inspection
Tree inspections are essential for maintaining the health and safety of trees across a variety of property types:
- Commercial Properties: Regular surveys are a legal requirement to ensure trees on commercial land don’t pose a risk to the public or staff. A proactive approach helps avoid potential liabilities and ensures compliance with safety standards.
- Residential Properties: Homeowners often seek inspections when they notice signs of decline or damage, such as leaning trees, dead branches, or fungal growth. An inspection can give peace of mind and clarity on whether a tree poses any danger or simply needs care.
- Public Spaces: Trees in parks, communal areas, and other public spaces require routine inspections to ensure they remain safe for public use, especially those near pathways, playgrounds, or buildings.
What is a Tree Survey?
A tree survey is a systematic assessment of the trees on a property, providing a full report on their condition, structural stability, and any potential risks they might pose. It serves to:
- Evaluate Structural Integrity: Identify any weaknesses in the tree that could lead to failure.
- Assess Tree Health: Diagnose any diseases, pest infestations, or decay that could compromise the tree’s longevity.
- Identify Hazards: Determine if trees pose a risk to nearby buildings, infrastructure, or people.
- Provide Maintenance Recommendations: Suggest ways to maintain or improve tree health, such as pruning or bracing.
Individual Tree Inspections and the VTA Method
For more detailed examinations of individual trees, we employ the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method. The VTA approach is a respected and methodical way of assessing the condition of a tree, focusing on visible external signs to determine internal problems. Much like a doctor diagnoses a patient using visual cues and instruments, the VTA method looks for specific indicators that provide clues to the tree’s structural health.
When conducting a VTA, our inspector will evaluate the following key elements:
- Canopy, Shape, Density (CSD): The overall condition of the canopy is a good indicator of tree health. A healthy canopy will be evenly distributed and dense, with vibrant, healthy foliage. Changes in canopy density or shape may suggest underlying health issues.
- Compartmentalisation: This refers to the tree's ability to isolate and contain areas of decay or damage. A tree that compartmentalises well can continue to thrive despite some internal decay, as it effectively “walls off” the affected areas to prevent further spread.
- Fungal Fruiting Bodies (FFB): The appearance of fungal growths on or around the tree is often a sign of internal decay. Different types of fungi provide clues about the extent and location of the decay within the tree.
- Compression Forks and Included Bark: These structural defects occur where two branches meet and can create weak points susceptible to splitting under the weight of the canopy or during high winds.
- Cavities and Decay: Cavities can be concerning but do not necessarily indicate a tree is unsound. Research, including Mathheck’s work, has shown that even a tree with a cavity occupying up to 70% of its trunk may still be stable if the canopy is well-balanced and healthy. But only a trained professional will know whether a cavity is a worry or not.
The VTA method is a highly reliable and respected approach, used across the UK by professionals to assess trees. If structural defects are detected but the tree is of significant value or importance—such as a mature tree with aesthetic or environmental benefits—we can conduct further tests. Advanced diagnostic techniques like sonic tomography or resistograph drilling are non-invasive ways to assess the internal condition of the tree, providing a more in-depth evaluation before making decisions on removal or retention.
The Value of Tree Surveys and Inspections
Regular tree inspections don’t just ensure safety—they can also save you money over time by preventing costly emergencies. Here's how:
- Reduce Liability: Early identification of hazards prevents accidents and the associated legal or financial repercussions.
- Preserve Valuable Trees: Inspections help identify issues that can be addressed early, preserving trees that might otherwise need to be removed. Retaining a mature tree is often more cost-effective than the expense of removal and replanting.
- Avoid Emergency Costs: Planned maintenance such as pruning or bracing is far less expensive than emergency tree work following a storm or sudden failure.
MINT Commercial Ltd is committed to helping clients maintain the health, safety, and value of their trees. In addition to our inspection services, we offer remedial work where necessary, providing a full-service solution for all your tree care needs.
Get In Touch!
If you’re in need of a professional tree survey or have concerns about the safety or health of a tree on your property, contact MINT Commercial Ltd today. Our team is here to provide expert advice, reliable inspections, and long-term solutions to protect both your property and the trees that enhance it.