Trees have become a high profile subject for society with Government legislation, environmental targets, landscape quality and ecology all elevated within the public perception. The fine balance of the need to maintain and protect trees within the urban and rural environment and to also ensure health and safety of life and property has resulted in Arboriculture becoming an essential part of modern day life. Watts Consultancy provides a broad range of professional Arboricultural and environmental disciplines utilising internal specialists with many years of experience in commercial, private and local government services. Understanding trees today.
BS5837:2005 Tree inspections and reporting.
Assessment of trees within proposed areas of development is an essential element of modern day planning and a requirement of local authorities nationally. We provide detailed site surveys, data collection and reporting in compliance with the requirements of British Standards BS5837:2005-Trees in Relation to Construction. Trees suitable for retention within developments require full assessment and calculation of root protection areas to satisfy the approval process and is a core feature of our services to Planning and Development.
Statutory Controls
Statutory controls are an essential tool to retaining trees within both private ownership and sites of historical interest or sensitivity. They can therefore be complex to negotiate. We provide professional guidance and practice to assist with Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Areas, felling licences, planning conditions, high hedges and submitting applications or notifications and pursuing appeals where required.
Expert Witness
We are delighted to have Dr Dealga O’Callaghan as our adjunct Practice Expert. Representation for Planning appeals and Public Inquiries and in cases heard in court up to and including The Royal Courts of Justice can all be undertaken.
Tree related subsidence
Damage to properties through clay shrinkage subsidence has been increasing in the last 20 years reflecting climate change. Insurers report elevated numbers of claims, which peak during “surge event” years. Limitation of claim duration and costs can be achieved through Arboricultural assessment and implementation of recommendations to achieve mitigation. We provide a comprehensive surveying, reporting and mitigation service to insurers, loss adjusters, chartered engineers and property owners.
Planning and Development
Such reporting can aid in evaluating the impact of development on trees, enhancing design and layout and contributing to cost and time savings. We provide the following to aid planners, developers and architects:
- Arboricultural Implication Assessments
Tree inspection and reporting for “early stage” development proposals and complex sites.
- Arboricultural method statements
Reporting on best industry methods to remove or limit damage to trees where their retention is essential or desirable. Permeable surfaces, “no dig” construction, retaining walls and tree protection details are some of the many operations aided by method statements.
- Planting design and implementation
Design and specifications for planting schemes, particularly in respect of development and restoration of sites.
Tree Safety inspections
We carry out safety inspections of individual trees, woodlands and estates for management of tree stocks and long term planning. Health and safety assessment, remediation work, project planning and management are all essential elements for trees to contribute to the landscape character of both the urban and rural areas of our country and meet client duty of care requirements.
Contract management
Producing integrated tree management and planting contracts. Engaging and supervising specialist contractors and ensuring all health and safety disciplines are maintained. We provide full project management for individual tree works, estate and woodland management, implementation of landscape planting plans and large tree moving opportunities.
Woodland management
Production of woodland management plans to enhance woodland structure and sustainability. Applications for woodland grant schemes and felling licenses.