ARBORIST REPORT
Trees are finally being given the recognition they deserve as an important feature of the natural landscape. An increasing amount of government regulators are requesting an independent “Arboricultural Assessment” as a condition of development or to meet their workplace health and safety obligations. The level of reporting is dictated by the regulator or the level of scientific detail that a client requires. There are normally 3 levels of inspections based upon the client’s needs in compliance with ANSI standards for risk assessment and International Society of Arboriculture “Best Management Practices: Tree Risk Assessment.”
Level 1 – Limited Visual Inspection – this typically focuses on identifying trees with an imminent and/or probable likelihood of failure. An Arborist is able to inform the client of trees with major defects that warrant immediate action.
Level 2 – Basic Assessment – This is the standard assessment performed by Arborists. The assessment incorporates a thorough visual inspection of the canopy, trunk and roots in a formal process and the details recorded. A report is generated based on the findings to use as a reference point for detailing management options.
Level 3 – Advanced Assessment – This style of inspection involves a thorough inspection using specialised equipment to collect, analyse and interpret data to quantify potential hazards within a tree or its parts. This can incorporate the use of sophisticated scientific equipment including a resistograph, sonic tomography or ground penetrating radar to quantify decay, or the location of major roots prior to excavations occurring. These assessments can also involve load testing branches to assess their strength and structural integrity, An Aerial Inspection may also be required to ascertain the condition of defect that is not clearly visible from ground level using binoculars. Ropes and harness or an Elevated Work Platform can be used to safely access the canopy.
Please call our office today to arrange an assessment from one of our AQF Level 5 qualified Arborists.
TREE SITE CONDITION REPORTS
A government planning department may require a preliminary “Tree and Site Condition Report” to highlight the location of significant vegetation, to determine which specimens are worthy of retention. This style of impartial report will highlight significant trees worthy of preservation for environmental or aesthetic reasons. Conversely, those specimens that have an increased potential for failure are highlighted, so that any potential hazardous trees are addressed in the design phase of planning. We also have qualified Wildlife Spotter and Catchers to identify habitat trees so that they can be managed in accordance with environmental legislation.
