Aboriculture

Woodland Management through tree protection and tree removal

Arboriculture is the science and practice of producing and managing tree and shrubs in both town and countryside with amenity as the main objective; techniques include tree selection, planting, care, and removal. It shares many skills with forestry but has its own unique requirements particularly in urban situations where maintenance and protection of individual trees is of high importance, but timber production is not paramount.

Arboriculture is an evolving and expanding field with statutory frameworks providing constraints for any purposed development; compliance is essential to avoid large fines and long delays. Southern Ecological Solutions (SES) specialist arboriculture team combine a passion for creating landscapes of aesthetic and cultural beauty with a pragmatic view of providing cost effective arboricultural solutions.

Planning and Development

With reference to the Town and Country Planning Act and BS 5837: 2005 ‘Trees in relation to construction – Recommendations’, SES has a established Arboricultural service that includes the preparation of Tree Survey Schedules, Tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Implications Assessments, Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans to aid the design and application stages of any scheme where trees are or could be a constraint. Following planning permission we provide monitoring and supervision to ensure the protection of trees throughout demolition and construction processes. In addition we provide advice regarding the management of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation Area status both with regard to and independent of proposed development.

Tree Stock Management and Hazard Assessment

As landowners/managers have a duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm or damage occurring from a tree’s structural failure, it is important to ensure that trees, especially those close to areas of frequent use, are assessed periodically in relation potential structural defect. A tree hazard survey will highlight foreseeable risk and make recommendation for appropriate management with consideration of the degree of risk involved and demonstrates responsible management of trees. SES can develop realistic maintenance specifications tailored to the individual requirements of the client with a small, medium or large tree stock

Woodland Management

Following assessment of woodland and desired management aims, we will prepare woodland management plans for recreational use, education, conservation and visual amenity. Where appropriate we will consult with relevant third parties including government bodies and local community groups regarding management and restocking grants.

Tree Related Property Damage

Tree-related property damage results from both direct physical pressure and tree influenced changes in soil volumes. While the complex interaction of causal factors makes prediction of indirect damage uncertain a level of risk can be assessed and appropriate recommendations made to reduced identified risk to acceptable levels.

Click here to see some frequently asked questions about Tree Preservation Orders.