01785 284088
At Rob Keyzor Tree Surgeons & Arboricultural Consultants, in Stafford, our lead consultants, Rob Keyzor BSc (Hons) and Chartered Arboriculturalist Nik Pearson BA (Hons) FdSc Arb MArborA MICFor, bring over 50 years of combined industry experience for tree surveys. We offer comprehensive arboricultural consultancy services tailored to your needs. Our expertise includes BS5837 surveys, tree constraint plans, tree protection plans, arboricultural impact assessments, and method statements. We provide bespoke AutoCAD plans based on your drawings, as well as site supervision and watching briefs. Our services extend to climbing inspections, decay detection using PiCUS sonic tomograph and Resi-Drill, and hazard tree/risk assessment surveys. We also offer advice and applications for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), develop tree and woodland management strategies, conduct tree and woodland surveys, and provide mortgage reports and subsidence assessments. Additionally, our consultancy covers tree health evaluations, veteran tree management, and soil de-compaction and air spade root investigation. For more information, reach out now.
TREE SURVEYS FOR PLANNING BS 5837
Trees are integral to planning applications due to their environmental and intrinsic value. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) mandates that existing trees be considered in development plans, with a focus on their protection and retention where feasible. A tree survey, following BS5837:2012 standards, is essential for assessing trees within 15m of construction activities. This survey provides data on tree size, condition, and retention categories, which help inform planning decisions. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) examines how development proposals affect trees, including impacts from construction, demolition, and utility services. An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) details procedures for tree protection during construction.
Additionally, planners may require tree protection plans (TPP), tree removal plans (TRP), and ongoing site supervision to ensure compliance with approved methods. Effective planning for trees involves detailed drawings and flexible, timely responses to address tree-related considerations throughout the development process.
PICUS RESI DRILL TREE DECAY DETECTION
WHY DETAILED TREE INVESTIGATIONS MATTER
Trees require strong structural integrity to support their weight and withstand external forces like wind and rain. Various factors, such as underground damage or visible internal defects, can undermine this stability. Detailed investigations are crucial to assess and address these concerns effectively.
ADVANCED TOOLS FOR TREE STABILITY ASSESSMENT
PiCUS® 3 Sonic Tomography
The PiCUS® 3 Sonic Tomograph is a non-invasive tool designed to examine tree stability by measuring how sound travels through the wood. Healthy wood transmits sound faster than decayed or anomalous growth. By analysing the velocity of sound, we can identify areas of decay or damage within the tree, which helps us evaluate if the tree is managing the decay effectively or if further testing is needed.
IML-RESI-F500 Twist Drill
The IML-RESI-F500 is a more invasive method that uses a fine drill to measure wood density. This device provides a detailed record of wood strength and helps assess the extent of decay or damage. It is used in conjunction with PiCUS® 3 for a comprehensive evaluation but can also be used independently when needed.
APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION
Both PiCUS® 3 and IML-RESI-F500 are essential for understanding tree health and stability, especially when there are signs of decay or structural defects. These tools help us provide evidence-based recommendations for tree retention or necessary actions. Our expertise in interpreting the results ensures that we make informed decisions to protect both the tree and the surrounding environment.
​TREE HEALTH SURVEYS & RISK ASSESSMENT
WHY TREE MANAGEMENT MATTERS?
Effective tree management is crucial for landowners to ensure safety and meet their objectives. Landowners have legal responsibilities to manage trees to prevent risks to people and property. Seeking professional advice on tree management and risk management is a key step in fulfilling these duties. Tree-related risks are generally low, but it’s important to manage them properly. Guidance can be found in 'Common Sense Risk Management of Trees' by NTSG. We use Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) to provide a systematic approach to assessing risk, especially for large tree stocks. This provides evidence of due diligence in risk management.
ASSESSING TREE HEALTH & SAFETY
Regular tree surveys are essential for detecting pests, diseases, and structural issues. We identify defects that could predispose trees to failure and pose risks. Our surveys range from detailed inspections of individual trees to more general walkover surveys. We provide recommendations to mitigate risks, manage nuisances, and ensure good arboricultural practice. Trees may be protected under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and in Conservation Areas. Professional advice and supporting documentation may be needed for tree work applications. We offer bespoke reports and guidance to assist with compliance and application processes.
​OUR APPROACH
We start by discussing your specific needs and objectives. Our surveys can involve tagging trees with aluminium tags or marking them for easy reference. After the site visit, we provide a detailed written report with our findings, opinions, and recommendations for tree management. This documentation serves as a record of your efforts to manage tree-related risks responsibly and can be used for submissions to authorities or stakeholders.
DYNA ROOT AND DYNA TREE
WHY USE DYNA ROOT AND DYNA TREE?
Dyna Root and Dyna Tree are advanced diagnostic tools used to measure root plate movement and trunk bending, respectively. Trees need structural integrity to withstand forces like wind and rain. Damage to trees, especially underground, can compromise their stability. While visual inspections and non-invasive tools like Picus and Resi drills help assess above-ground damage, Dyna Root and Dyna Tree are essential for evaluating potential underground issues. Both tools use time-synchronised data to analyse how wind affects the tree. The proprietary software evaluates the impact of the tree’s crown swaying—known as mass dampening—on wind loading and calculates a safety factor to assess the risk of tree failure.
TESTING PROCESS
Dyna Root: Inclinometers are installed at the root collar to measure inclination.
Dyna Tree: Elastomers are attached to the tree trunk to measure bending, though installation may not always be required. Testing requires a minimum wind speed of 35 km/h and typically takes about 3 hours. A dual-axis anemometer measures wind speed and direction, set up on a portable mast. The equipment can be left in place to record data, which is then analysed to produce a detailed report with findings, opinions, and recommendations.
WHEN TO USE DYNA ROOT AND DYNA TREE
These tools are recommended if:
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There is evidence of wood decay fungi or damage at the roots or base.
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A tree has been exposed to new wind forces due to the removal of nearby trees or buildings.
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Roots may have been damaged by construction activities.
CALL US ON 01785 284088 FOR IN-DEPTH TREE SURVEYS