Trees are an integral part of our flora and fauna. As such, it is important to have tree surveys done. Tree surveys provide useful information on the trees. One of the reasons why it is important is to determine the condition of trees on land you plan to buy. This will help property managers or homeowners to make proper decisions.
Tree safety surveys should be methodical and done in a consistent manner. It is beneficial to assess individual trees from all sides. A surveyor monitors and processes each surveyed tree. The following details will assist arborists. It will be easier for them to find and work on the surveyed tree.
- Tree species
- Position (coordinates, map locations or a location description)
- Comments (distinctive attributes)
- Rough age of the tree (over mature/mature/middle-aged/young/new-planted)
After taking notes of the details above, you can now assess the tree. It is best to start from the top of the tree. And then work your way down by following the steps below.
- Inspect the crown. Check the gaps in the canopy if it is summer. Also, check for the leaves’ color. Take note if deadwood is present.
- Search for the presence of deadwood. Take note whether it is hanging or broken branches within the canopy.
- Scan through the canopy. Keep an eye out for cracks. Also, pay attention to splits and damaged branches that are distinct.
- Move down and look for more abnormal features in the tree. This includes swellings and bark damage. Add fungus, hollows, splits, and cracks in the list, too.
- Watch out for Ivy. Take note of the extent of its spread. It can make it difficult for a complete inspection of a tree.
- Check if the tree is leaning towards a Target Zone.
- Are there any fungi or decay within the main trunk? Check even the base of the tree and the surrounding of the tree base.
- Digging and track marks can damage the roots of the trees. You should check for these, too. Inspect if there are any exposed roots.
- Examine the soil surrounding the tree. Do you see any noticeable cracks in the ground?
Next is the classification of the comprehensive physical condition of the tree.
- Good
Healthy, full crown, long life expectancy, and no obvious signs of failure.
- Fair
Generally healthy, some thinning of crown, and some defects of low significance.
- Poor
Lacking vigor, short life expectancy, poor leaf cover, and major defects.
- Dangerous/Dead
Urgent removal required depending on the trees’ location.
Using the information gathered, you can now classify the priority of the works. Information includes usage, location, and physical condition. After that, place a time frame to deal with the trees. Include recommendations if qualified.
