Managing trees proactively, as opposed to reactively is the most cost-effective and safest way to conduct long-term tree management.
Tree Management Plans are relevant to anyone who is responsible for a tree or group of trees, from individual property owners to managers of large populations of trees (e.g. golf courses, schools, raceways, etc.). They provide a clear roadmap for future tree decisions.
Health & Safety laws place a duty of care on individuals and organisations to take all reasonable steps to manage risk. Due care must be taken with regard to managing trees and the level of risk they can pose to people and property.
Engaging a qualified, knowledgeable arborist to put together a Tree Management Plan is the first step in this process.
Our process
Our first step when creating a Tree Management Plan is to understand the ‘why’ or aims from the owner/manager/management team and any limitations there may be around achieving these aims.
Owner/management aims usually revolve around health & safety concerns but may include things like:
- aiding privacy
- stabilisation of soil
- caring for significant trees (due to cultural, botanical, historical or personal reasons)
- habitat enhancement, or
- improving natural regeneration within the existing environment.
Limitations may include financial situations/budget constraints or issues around interested parties and their desires (e.g. boundary trees and neighbours wanting different outcomes).
These aims and limitations need to be considered at the time of creating the Tree Management Plan with recommendations built in, if possible, to help you achieve the outcome you desire for your investment.
Once we understand the aims and limitations, we tailor your Tree Management Plan to reflect this.
A ground-based visual inspection of each tree/group of trees happens next. We visit each tree/group of trees and record details which creates the basis of our plan.
If multiple trees are being reviewed, a tree site map is then created. This shows you the approximate location of each tree which you can then cross-reference against the report provided.
We then build the plan recording all tree details and provide prioritised recommended actions.
These actions will differ from tree to tree depending on the species and its characteristics but also what we see when undertaking the visual inspection.
Actions noted could include pruning away from buildings, removing conflicting limbs, deadwood removal, an overall reduction, pruning around service lines or as a last resort, removal.
Risk management is a priority however we also document actions that will offset future problems the tree/s may encounter.
If requested, we can also provide you with appropriate replanting guidance – who doesn’t love to plant trees, especially if you are needing to remove some.