HOMEOWNER TREE REPORTS

Unlike many companies, SJ Stephens Associates do not carry out tree surgery, so have no incentive to specify non-essential work.

Homeowners tree reports are undertaken:-

for lenders before they agree mortgages
for insurance companies
where vegetation is implicated as a possible cause of subsidence
to assess possible arboricultural constraints to development [see Tree Constraints Plan ]
to support an application to carry out work to TPO trees, or in a Conservation Area
in relation to High Hedge disputes

Reports for lenders and insurers cover risks to the structural integrity of a property through vegetation related subsidence or tree failure. They provide the following information:-

a preliminary survey of soils
a survey of all trees and large shrubs growing within influencing distance
an assessment of risks to property through subsidence or tree failure
recommendations for any necessary work

Subsidence Investigation

We are instructed by homeowners who have been notified that their trees are causing damage. Insurance companies often deal with subsidence issues in a systematic but simplistic way. We can review the technical evidence supplied, inspect the site and advise the best course of action.

We are also instructed by loss adjusters to advise on whether vegetation is likely to be involved in a subsidence case and, if so, what appropriate action should betaken.

Tree Safety Inspections

If a tree fails and causes damage, the owner, or occupier of the land, can be held responsible. The courts will look at whether reasonable Duty of Care has been taken. What is “reasonable”? Generally a homeowner would not be expected to have regular professional inspections of their trees. However, if they have extensive grounds with lots of visitors, if their trees overhang a public road, if a neighbour raises a safety concern or if there is an obvious defect, such as fungi or decay, they would.

Tree Work Applications

We can provide a report to support your application to carry out works to a protected tree – or can apply to the council on your behalf. If unreasonably refused, we can appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you quote for tree surgery work?

Can you support my application to remove a protected tree?

Our neighbours trees are shading our property. Can you help?

We have received a letter asking us to fell trees as they are causing damage to our neighbours property? Do we have to

Not without adequate evidence. Normally this should comprise:-

Soil analysis showing a shrinkable clay soil.
Trial hole / root identification, showing that roots of the same species have been found under the foundations.

Seasonal movement ie. showing that soils rehydrate in winter as well as subside in summer. This is often demonstrated by crack monitoring but is better shown by level monitoring.

The council want to place a Tree Preservation Order on our tree. Can you stop them?

We can try – but it may well be unsuccessful! The council need to be able to show that placing a Tree Preservation Order is “expedient in the interests of amenity”. If Tree Officers have taken this view, it is unusual that they will change their position following an objection. It is often better to wait, apply to carry out tree work, then appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, if unreasonably withheld.

Are my tree trees protected

Can I get a tree protected