Aerial Inspection Report

Overview

An Aerial Tree Inspection is a close-up assessment of a tree’s upper canopy, stem junctions, and structural features that cannot be reliably or safely assessed from the ground. It is typically carried out by a qualified arborist using rope and harness (climbing), a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) or drone technology, depending on site conditions and access requirements.

Purpose

Aerial inspections are conducted to:

• Investigate defects or anomalies identified during ground-based surveys.
• Examine branch unions, cavities, cracks or decay in the upper crown.
• Assess canopy dieback, deadwood or pest/disease symptoms.
• Support risk assessments, especially where trees are in high-target areas.
• Determine the extent of decay or damage and inform pruning or removal decisions.

Methodology

Depending on the technique used:

• Climbing inspections involve a trained arborist using ropes and harnesses to access specific areas of the tree.
• MEWP inspections allow for safe, close visual access with minimal physical contact with the tree.
• Drone inspections (where permitted) provide high-resolution imagery for canopy structure analysis but may have limitations in detailed defect diagnosis.

Recorded Observations May Include

• Structural features such as included bark, compression forks or retrenchment.
• Presence of cavities, decay pockets, fungal fruiting bodies or cracked limbs.
• Condition of previous pruning wounds or bracing systems.
• Assessment of deadwood size, location and likelihood of failure.
• Photographs and detailed notes for reporting and monitoring purposes.

Outcomes

• A detailed report with photographs and recommendations (e.g., remedial pruning, bracing, crown reduction or removal).
• Risk rating and prioritisation of any required works.
• Evidence to support tree retention or interventions in line with best practice and duty-of-care obligations.

Aerial inspections are essential where ground-based surveys are inconclusive or where trees pose a potential risk to public safety, buildings or infrastructure.