Do You Need a Tree Survey? Your Questions Answered

Think of a tree survey the same way you think about an MOT for your car. You wouldn’t drive around in a vehicle without a valid safety check — and trees in your care deserve the same level of attention. If you’re a property owner, estate manager, school, or landlord in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Oxfordshire, a professional tree survey could protect you legally, financially, and most importantly, keep the people around your trees safe.

In this guide, as fully qualified arborists at South Bucks Tree Surgeons, we explain everything you need to know about tree surveys — from what they cover, to the different types available, and when you should book one.

What is a tree survey — and why do you need one?

A tree survey is a formal, documented inspection of your trees carried out by a qualified arborist or tree consultant. It assesses the health, condition, and safety of your trees and gives you a clear record of what’s been observed and what action (if any) is needed.

If you own land with trees — or are a tenant or managing agent responsible for trees — you have a legal duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act. This means you must take reasonable steps to ensure your trees do not pose a risk to people or property.

Trees in higher-risk locations are especially important to survey regularly. These include:

• Schools, nurseries, and places of education

• Roadsides and public footpaths

• Parks and green spaces

• Boundary trees between neighbouring properties

• Trees close to buildings, driveways, or infrastructure

What does a tree survey include?

Tree surveys help you manage your occupier’s liability and are designed to:

• Keep your trees safe by identifying any dangers, risks, or hazards the tree might cause.

• Review your tree’s health and provide formally documented observations.

• Demonstrate a duty of care and fulfil any occupier’s liability obligations and insurance stipulations.

• Ensure any tree health concerns are diagnosed early — which may help to prevent more extensive and costly works during the tree’s lifetime.

• Provide a clear understanding of your tree’s health and create a monitoring system that can forecast any challenges or tree works that might be required.

• Provide easy-to-understand recommendations on how to best manage your tree or tree stock.

• Give a risk rating for any recommended works and the timeframes within which work should be completed.

• Detail the recommended frequency for re-inspection of your trees.

[Tree disease identified during a tree survey]

What types of tree survey are available?

Not all tree surveys are the same. The right type depends on your trees, their location, and any concerns you already have. Here’s a summary of the main types we offer:

Level 1 Health & Safety Tree Survey (Ground Level)

This is our most common tree survey and is suitable for the majority of properties and insurance requirements. Our qualified surveyor carries out a visual inspection from ground level, identifying any visible defects, maintenance requirements, or safety concerns.

We regularly carry out Level 1 surveys for schools, housing estates, parks, roadside trees, and commercial properties across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

Climbed Tree Survey (Aerial Inspection)

Where a ground-level inspection is insufficient, our arborists can access the tree at height using climbing techniques or a hydraulic platform. This allows us to closely examine branches, branch unions, cavities, and canopy defects that aren’t visible from below.

A climbed survey is typically recommended when:

• Defects identified at ground level require closer investigation

• The tree is particularly large and key branches cannot be assessed from below

• The tree has a history of limb failure

• Previous tree works or known health issues require ongoing monitoring

 

[One of our hydraulic platforms, which can be used for tree surveys]

Tree Tagging & Mapping

For clients managing larger numbers of trees — such as estates, local authorities, and parish councils — we also offer cost-effective tree tagging and mapping. Each tree is assigned a unique identifier and plotted within your survey report, making ongoing management and record-keeping straightforward. We can also utilise What3Words locations for trees in dense or hard-to-navigate areas.

 

Advanced Testing (Picus & Resistograph)

Through our network of specialist partners, we can arrange Picus sonic tomography and resistograph testing — non-invasive techniques used to detect internal decay or structural weaknesses not visible to the naked eye. These are typically recommended for veteran or high-value trees.

Who should carry out your tree survey?

Always choose a qualified arborist for your tree survey. At South Bucks Tree Surgeons, our surveyors are trained to:

• Level 4 Certificate in Arboriculture

• Risk Assessment for Commercial Arboriculture

• Basic and Professional Tree Surveying qualifications

We hold all relevant insurance certificates for consultancy work and have been providing professional tree care services across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire for nearly 50 years.

[Always choose a qualified arborist for your tree survey]

When is the best time to book a tree survey?

Late spring and summer are generally the best time for a tree survey, as trees are in full leaf and it’s easier to assess their health and vitality. However, we conduct surveys throughout the year.

If you have any immediate concerns about a tree — signs of disease, instability, or sudden structural change — don’t wait for the optimal season. Contact us straight away. We specialise in assessing dead and dangerous trees in high-risk environments and offer 24/7 emergency support.

How to monitor your trees between surveys

A tree survey gives you a ‘snapshot’ of your tree’s health at a point in time. Between formal surveys, it’s good practice to carry out your own regular checks. Here’s what to look out for:

• Cavities or unusual holes in the trunk or branches

• Any movement or instability at the base of the tree

• Fungal fruiting bodies or unusual growths on the bark

• Leaves, buds, or blossom that look unhealthy compared to previous years

• Signs of pests — aphids, unusual insects, or other visible infestations

• Significant changes in the canopy (die-back, unusual thinning)

Recording what you observe over time — even with a simple note or photo — can be invaluable information for your arborist. It’s a bit like keeping a logbook for your car: the more context, the better the diagnosis.

Who do we carry out tree surveys for?

We provide tree surveys for a wide range of clients across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, including:

• Schools, colleges, and academies

• Housing associations and estate management companies

• County councils, parish councils, and local authorities

• Commercial property owners and facilities managers

• Parks, leisure centres, and public green spaces

• Private homeowners with one or more trees requiring monitoring

Whether you have a single tree in your garden or a large estate with hundreds of trees to manage, we can help.

Why choose South Bucks Tree Surgeons for your tree survey?

1. We have a dedicated team who can help you decide whether you need a tree survey, the type of survey required, and what the most cost-effective option is for your specific requirements.

2. Our qualified and highly experienced tree surveyors have an extensive background in tree care and tree management surveys.

3. Our tree survey reports are clearly written and easy to understand, providing practical tree care solutions to keep your trees safe.

4. Trees are photographed to provide a visual record of observations and findings.

5. Trees can be mapped and tagged for easy identification — ideal for estates and larger tree stocks.

6. What3Words can be utilised for more challenging locations or dense tree stocks where identification can be difficult.

7. We can provide recommended pricing and budget guidance for any works identified.

8. We have an extensive network of surveyors who can provide Picus and resistograph testing.

9. You’ll have a dedicated tree surveyor and office contact who can help every step of the way and answer any questions.

10. We offer 24/7 emergency support for trees requiring urgent attention.

[We ensure our team have the highest standards in training and tree care]

Get in touch with South Bucks Tree Surgeons

If you’re unsure whether you need a tree survey, or which type is right for you, we’re happy to help. Our team can advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective option for your specific situation.

Contact South Bucks Tree Surgeons today to book a tree survey or discuss your requirements. We serve clients throughout Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, including High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Thame, Amersham, Marlow, Henley, and the Chilterns.

Important note:

Whilst reasonable skill and care is taken by our surveyors to identify faults and potential dangers, there is a possibility that a defect may be obscured or not apparent at the time of inspection. Trees and shrubs are living organisms whose health and condition can change rapidly. All trees, even healthy ones, are at risk from unpredictable climatic events. The assessment of risk is based upon factors evident at the time of inspection and the interpretation of those factors by suitably qualified inspectors. The health, condition, and safety of trees should be monitored on a basis commensurate with the level of risk.