Principle Arboricultural Consultant

Carl Riva Dip Arb L6, MArborA

As owner of Urban Tree Management Carl leads the company operations and provides strategic guidance and direction to the team to ensure the company achieves its mission and objectives. He also undertakes a role of principle arboricultural consultant, and completes a vast array of arboricultural surveys and reports, working closely with his longstanding portfolio of clients.

Carl worked in many areas of the arboricultural sector, including as a climbing arborist, arboricultural team leader, tree surveyor and consultant for local authorities, housing associations and consultancy's throughout the North West UK.

Carl holds a Level 6 Diploma in Arboriculture, is a professional member of the Arboricultural Association. He has extensive experience undertaking and managing large-scale hazard evaluation surveys and providing guidance, technical reports, and support to assist with planning and development in relation to trees, and undertaking specialist decay detection investigations using sonic tomography and resistograph equipment, providing clients with cost-effective ways of managing tree-related risks.

In October 2024, Carl attended an advanced tree biochemical seminar with Frank Rinn and his encyclopedia of knowledge, research and development of the latest technology in sonic tomography, static load testing and resistograph for decay testing, John Harthill on fluid mechanics and Lynne Boddy on fungi, Jill Butler on Ancient and veteran tree and Ted Green speaking on tree management and more importantly, for the preservation of trees

Arboriculturist

Michael McCann RFS Cert Arb, PTI

Michael is an experienced and highly capable arboricultural professional with over 15 years in the industry. He holds the Royal Forestry Society Certificate in Arboriculture and the LANTRA Professional Tree Inspectors Certificate, and is currently advancing his expertise through a Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture.

His career spans a wide range of roles, including climbing arborist, team leader, and Arboricultural Team Leader at RHS Bridgewater. This breadth of experience—across commercial council contracts, domestic clients, and large‑scale horticultural environments—has equipped him with a deep, practical understanding of tree management, safety, and long‑term stewardship.

Michael has recently been appointed as the Tree and Woodland Manager at Haigh Hall in Wigan, where he is responsible for the care and strategic management of approximately 360 acres of historic woodland. His role includes woodland conservation, safety oversight, habitat enhancement, and long‑term planning for the estate.

He also leads on tree procurement and planting programmes, ensuring high‑quality stock selection, species suitability, and successful establishment. In addition, Michael undertakes pest and disease monitoring, applying evidence‑based diagnostics to protect woodland health and support resilient landscape management.

His technical strengths include tree planting and establishment, aftercare, woodland management, and safety‑critical operations. He has a particular interest in climbing assessments and advanced diagnostic techniques, regularly employing sonic tomography and resistograph investigations to support evidence‑based decision‑making. His commitment to high‑quality, reliable service delivery has earned him a strong reputation as a trusted and diligent professional.