Structural
Tree Health & RiskSurveys Across Stafford& Staffordshire.
Documented inspection and risk assessment of your tree population — mortgage reports, planning surveys, duty-of-care registers and management plans.
✓ QTRA-aware methodology · Insurer & lender accepted · £5m insured
What is Tree Health & Risk Survey?
A tree survey is the documented inspection of a tree or group of trees, identifying species, condition, defects and management requirements. The depth of the survey depends on the purpose: mortgage lending, planning consent, duty of care management or ongoing tree population register.
We carry out surveys to recognised methodologies — QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) for risk-rated outputs, BS 5837 for planning context, and bespoke management surveys for estate populations.
Reports are written, photographed, mapped and delivered electronically in formats compatible with the recipient (lender, planner, insurer, facilities manager).
Who It's For
- Homebuyers needing mortgage tree report
- Developers preparing planning applications (BS 5837)
- Property managers managing duty of care
- Estates establishing tree population baseline
When It's Needed
- Mortgage lender has requested a tree report
- Planning application requires BS 5837 survey
- H&S audit requires documented risk register
- Following a tree-related incident
What Happens If You Leave It
Property owners have a legal duty of care for trees on their land. If a known dangerous tree fails and injures someone, 'I didn't know' is a weak defence. Documented inspection demonstrates reasonable steps and protects you legally.
Mortgage lenders increasingly require tree surveys when buying property near trees. Without one, completion can be delayed by weeks. Quick turnaround surveys avoid the bottleneck.
Our 5-Step Process
Free Site Inspection
We visit, listen and assess access, hazards and surrounding structures before quoting a single penny.
Written Diagnosis & Quote
You get a clear scope of works, fixed price and method statement — usually within 24 hours of the visit.
Scheduled Visit
We agree a date that suits you, confirm the day before and arrive on time with the right kit and crew.
Safe Execution
Risk assessments and permits handled. Roping, rigging and cutting carried out to NPTC and BS 3998 standards.
Clearance & Sign-Off
All arisings removed (or chipped/logged for you), site swept clean, photos sent and invoice issued.
Why Choose RJ Hutchinson
Lender-Accepted Reports
Format and content meet major UK lender requirements.
QTRA Methodology
Numerical risk ratings — defensible, auditable, repeatable.
BS 5837 Planning Reports
Tree constraints plans, AIA, AMS for planning submission.
Quick Turnaround
Most domestic surveys reported within 5 working days.
Mapped & Photographed
Each tree numbered, located, photographed.
Management Recommendations
Prioritised actions with timelines.
Tree Health & Risk Survey: The Full Detail
Survey Types & When To Use Each
Mortgage tree report: brief inspection focused on subsidence risk and immediate hazards. Typically 1–10 trees, 2–5 page report.
BS 5837 planning survey: required for planning applications affecting trees. Tree schedule, constraints plan, arboricultural impact assessment, method statement.
QTRA risk register: ongoing duty-of-care management for commercial premises, schools, parks. Risk-rated tree by tree, with re-inspection cycle.
Specialist surveys: subsidence investigation, decay testing (resistograph/tomograph), veteran tree assessment.
Methodology & Standards
Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) is the foundation of all our work — systematic external inspection of every significant tree. Where decay is suspected, we use percussion testing and (for high-value trees) instrumented testing via specialist equipment.
QTRA combines target value, tree size and probability of failure into a numerical risk rating, allowing prioritisation across large tree populations. This is the methodology accepted by most insurers and used by major UK landowners.
Every job is covered by £5m Public Liability Insurance and carried out under method statements and risk assessments tailored to your site.
Tree Health & Risk Survey — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tree survey cost?+
Mortgage report: £150–£300. BS 5837 planning: £400–£1,200. Estate management: scoped per project.
How long does it take?+
Most domestic surveys: 5 working days. Larger projects: 2–3 weeks.
Will my lender accept it?+
Yes — our reports meet requirements of all major UK lenders. Confirm specific format if unsure.
What's QTRA?+
Quantified Tree Risk Assessment — numerical risk rating methodology used across UK arboriculture.
Do you do subsidence reports?+
Yes — for insurance and engineering purposes, including root sample collection where required.
Can you survey hundreds of trees?+
Yes — estate and commercial surveys routinely cover 100+ trees with mapped registers.
What about TPO trees?+
Surveyed normally; recommendations include any required TPO applications for works.
Are you insured for survey work?+
Fully — £5m PL with professional indemnity for survey reports.
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Ready For a Free Quote on Tree Health & Risk Survey?
Free site visit, fixed-price written quote, no pressure. Call directly or send a few details — most quotes back within 24 hours.