Woodland Walks FAQs

A tree consultancy provides expert advice and services related to the care, management, and assessment of trees. We help property owners, developers, and local authorities make informed decisions about planning and tree management, ensuring the health and safety of trees while complying with legal requirements. At WildBirch, we offer a wide range of tree services, including surveys, reports, and plans in line with the latest BS5837 guidance and recommendations. Additionally, we provide reporting and advice for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), trees within conservation areas, tree risk management, veteran tree assessments, woodland management, and tree planting advice.

At WildBirch, our tree consultant is a qualified arboricultural consultant. For us, "tree consultant" and "arboricultural consultant" are interchangeable. The term “arboriculture” comes from the Latin words arbor (tree) and cultura (cultivation), meaning the cultivation of trees and shrubs. We chose to use "tree consultant" as it’s simpler and more relatable for our clients, and we always aim to communicate in plain English. While some technical terms are unavoidable in reports and plans, we strive to make things clear and simple on our website. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

The cost of tree consultancy varies based on factors such as the number of trees to survey, the area of land, location, and the complexity of the task. Please feel free to get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

You may need a tree consultant if you answer yes to any of the following questions: Do you need a BS5837:2012 survey and report to support a planning application? Do you own a tree or a woodland and have concerns about their safety, e.g. are they near a footpath, road or property that could be damaged? Do you need advice on the long-term maintenance of your trees? Are your trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or within a conservation area, and do you want to undertake work but are unsure of the process? Do you own a veteran or ancient tree and need advice on its ongoing management? Are you planning to plant trees but unsure which species to choose and where to plant them?

In the UK, key qualifications and certifications ensure a tree consultant has the necessary expertise and professional standing, including: Arboricultural Association (AA) Membership National Diploma in Arboriculture (or equivalent) HNC/HND in Arboriculture Technicians Certificate in Arboriculture / Level 4 Diploma or Certificate in Arboriculture Professional Diploma in Arboriculture / Level 6 Diploma or Certificate in Arboriculture Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) BS5837:2012 Knowledge & Experience Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Knowledge & Experience Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Yes, a tree consultant with the relevant knowledge and experience can assist with TPOs. At WildBirch, we have extensive knowledge of TPOs and the planning system. We can offer TPO advice, provide expert reports, manage the paperwork for applying for TPOs, or challenge TPOs if necessary.

Check their reviews, verify their credentials, and assess their expertise based on the points in Q5. Ensure they have the appropriate insurance in place. They should have professional indemnity insurance, with a minimum cover of £1 million (WildBirch holds £1 million coverage). For larger-scale projects, higher levels of professional indemnity insurance may be required, depending on the nature of the work.

A tree consultant should have the experience and knowledge to recognise common signs of tree diseases. We can sometimes assess trees from photos, but more often, an on-site inspection is needed to evaluate the entire tree, its surroundings, and other trees nearby. Depending on the species and potential disease, this broader assessment can provide valuable context.

Yes, we can provide tree maintenance and care plans for any tree(s).

The time it takes to complete a tree consultancy report depends on the number of trees involved and the complexity of the task. Please feel free to contact us for a free quote and to discuss potential timescales.

Yes, absolutely! Tree consultants are best suited to advise on which tree species are most suitable for specific environments. We assess trees throughout their life cycles, giving us a deeper understanding of which species thrive or struggle in different locations. At WildBirch, we are passionate about planting the right tree in the right place, which: 1. Prevents unnecessary pruning in the future 2. Minimises the need for tree removal if the tree outgrows its location 3. Ensures trees and people can live harmoniously together.

In the UK, tree risk assessments range from basic visual inspections to more advanced techniques using specialised tools. The assessment chosen depends on the tree's location, the potential risks to people or property, and the level of detail required. The Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) is typically the first option. This involves a thorough inspection of the tree’s main stem, canopy, roots and surroundings to identify any potential risks or signs of instability. If further issues are found, more detailed diagnostics (e.g., resistographs or sonic tomography) may be used to detect internal decay or structural weaknesses that aren't visible externally.