Internal Decay Testing – Chorley Council, Astley Park

Client: Chorley Council

Project Overview:

Chorley Council has responsibility for amenity woodland across the borough, as well as trees in public areas, parks, open spaces, and playgrounds. As tree owners, they are alert to their legal duty of care to assess and manage risks posed by their tree stock.

Following routine inspections by the council’s tree officer, concerns were raised about the structural stability of mature trees close to footpaths and public spaces within Astley Park.

Our Role:

We are commissioned by clients ranging from private homeowners to housing associations and local authorities to investigate concerns about tree safety. Working collaboratively with Andrew McLoughlin of Treestyle Consultancy, we provide evidence‑based assessments that identify internal decay, structural weaknesses, and fungal activity. By combining expertise, we deliver clear risk profiles and proportionate management recommendations, ensuring tree owners meet their duty of care while balancing safety with long‑term arboricultural value.

Our Services:

Together with Treestyle Consultancy, we offer a full range of specialist arboricultural services:

• Detailed Tree Inspection & QTRA Risk Assessment Objective evaluations of tree safety using the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment methodology to measure risk to people and property.
• Climbing Inspections Hands‑on assessments of crowns, unions, and upper canopy areas where ground‑based inspections are insufficient.
• Sonic Tomography & Resistograph Testing Advanced diagnostic tools to map internal stem integrity and confirm the depth and extent of decay.
  

Out Come:

A comprehensive report was delivered to Chorley Council, documenting all findings and recommended actions. The subsequent implementation of tree management works demonstrates that reasonable and responsible steps were taken to manage tree risk across council sites, safeguarding public safety while maintaining arboricultural value.

Work With Us

Urban Tree Management supports Local Authorities across the North West with advanced diagnostic investigations and defensible risk assessments for complex, high‑profile or safety‑critical trees. We understand the pressures placed on council tree officers: balancing public safety, statutory duties, budget constraints and increasing scrutiny over decision‑making. Our specialist services — including sonic tomography, resistograph micro‑drilling and QTRA risk analysis — provide clear, quantifiable evidence that strengthens case files, supports enforcement, and ensures decisions stand up to internal review, public challenge or appeal.

We work closely with planning teams, tree officers, highways departments, estates, parks and legal services, delivering transparent reporting, rapid turnaround times and clear recommendations grounded in best practice. Whether you require an independent diagnostic investigation, support with a contentious TPO case, verification of decay in a high‑risk location, or expert input for a public enquiry, we provide a reliable, professional service that integrates seamlessly with your existing processes.

Get in touch to discuss a case, request a quotation or arrange a diagnostic inspection.