Full Tree Condition Survey

Overview

A Full Tree Condition Survey is a systematic, ground-based inspection of individual trees to assess their health, structural integrity and safety risk. The survey provides detailed information to support tree management decisions, comply with legal duty of care and guide arboricultural best practices in public, private and development settings.

Purpose and Scope

The survey is conducted by a qualified arboriculturalist and aims to:

• Identify structural defects such as cracks, cavities, included bark or decay.
• Assess physiological condition, including foliage density, dieback, pest/disease presence and vitality.
• Evaluate site context, including proximity to paths, roads, buildings, utilities or high-use areas.
• Determine the risk level posed by the tree or its parts, particularly in relation to targets.
• Recommend management actions, such as pruning, bracing, monitoring, removal or further investigation (e.g., decay detection or aerial inspection).

Survey Methodology

• Each tree is individually inspected and recorded using a unique reference number.
• Tree details include species, height, stem diameter (DBH), canopy spread and age class.
• Observations cover structural condition, physiological health, visible defects, pest/disease symptoms and environmental factors.
• A condition rating, priority level and recommended action are assigned.
• GPS mapping and photographic records are included where applicable.

The survey may follow methodologies such as the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) or Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) approach and can be expanded to include Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) or Decay Detection (e.g. resistograph or tomograph) if warranted.

Outputs

• A detailed tree schedule (typically in spreadsheet or GIS format).
• A map of tree locations (digital or hard copy).
• A summary report highlighting high-risk trees, priority works and general observations.
• A maintenance schedule, often graded by urgency (e.g., immediate, 3 months, 12 months, routine).

This full survey supports long-term tree management, legal compliance (e.g. Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957/1984) and sustainable landscape stewardship.