Tree Surveys For Schools
Our consultants are professional members of the Arboricultural Association, LANTRA‑certified Professional Tree Inspectors, Enhanced DBS‑checked, and qualified to Level 6 (Degree‑Level) in Arboriculture. This ensures that every assessment is carried out by a highly competent, experienced, and fully vetted specialist
We have undertaken regular routine inspections of all trees at individual schools, colleges, university's, for local and national educational bodies, academy chains, from small to large tree stocks as part Health and Safety audits, this helps to comply with health and safety legislation and that all your employees and pupils are safe within the workplace.
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Tree Risk Assessments for Educational Sites
Schools and educational establishments have a legal duty of care to ensure that all trees on their land are managed safely. Regardless of how many trees are present, it is the school’s responsibility to ensure they are inspected, monitored, and maintained to prevent foreseeable harm.
Routine tree inspections allow early identification of defects, decay, and declining tree health. This enables schools to bring in contractors to address unsafe trees before they become a hazard. A rolling programme of inspection, management, and monitoring provides strong evidence that the school is meeting its legal obligations to safeguard pupils, staff, visitors, and the wider community.
Qualified & Experienced Consultants
All consultants carrying out Visual Tree Assessments (VTA) for Urban Tree Management are:
- Professional members of the Arboricultural Association
- Level 6 (Degree‑Level) in Arboriculture
- Holders of the Lantra Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) qualification
- Enhanced DBS‑checked for work on educational sites
- Licensed QTRA risk assessors
- Experienced in delivering tree safety surveys for over 100 educational sites across the UK
We hold £5 million Professional Indemnity and £5 million Public Liability insurance through Arborisk.
Technology‑Led Compliance
We use the Pear Technology tree‑management system to give schools clear, reliable oversight of their tree‑safety responsibilities. Every tree is mapped using accurate GPS data, creating a digital record that’s easy to update and maintain. Our arborists complete inspections on site using real‑time digital forms, ensuring information is captured instantly and stored securely.
Condition ratings, priority levels, and recommended works are displayed in a simple, intuitive dashboard, helping school managers understand risks at a glance. Each inspection and update is logged automatically, providing a robust audit trail for governors, insurers, and HSE reviews.
This technology‑driven approach cuts down administrative workload and transforms tree compliance from a reactive paperwork task into a proactive, efficient management process.
Early‑Warning Health & Safety Audits
Our tree health and safety audits act as an early‑warning system for school managers. We provide clear, prioritised management plans so that tree risk can be reduced to a reasonable level. This allows schools to demonstrate they have met their duty of care to pupils, staff, and visitors.
Tree Inventories & Prioritised Work Schedules
- We can prepare a full digital tree inventory and a prioritised schedule of tree works, enabling contractors to carry out risk‑management tasks efficiently and in the correct order.
- We only recommend essential works that genuinely reduce risk, ensuring school budgets are not exhausted on unnecessary tree surgery.
- Using Pear Technology software and survey equipment, we capture data quickly and accurately, producing digital maps and plans for fast, efficient reporting. Where defects require further investigation, we also use the latest tree‑decay detection equipment to assess internal structural issues.
When Should Schools Consider a Tree Assessment?
Schools should consider a tree assessment whenever there is a reasonably foreseeable risk. Visible defects such as deadwood, split or fallen branches, cavities, fungal growth, or signs of decay can indicate that a tree may pose a hazard to pupils, staff, or property.
Trees located close to high‑use areas — including playgrounds, entrances, footpaths, sports fields, and car parks — also warrant more frequent inspection due to the higher level of daily activity around them.
Assessments re essential when development or expansion is planned. If the school intends to extend buildings, install modular classrooms, enlarge playgrounds, or alter sports pitches, a
BS5837 Tree Survey may be required to understand how nearby trees could be affected. A structured tree‑management plan is also valuable for long‑term safety and budgeting. Without one, mature trees may decline unnoticed, increasing the risk of structural failure that could lead to damage or, in severe cases, injury.
Trusted by Schools, Colleges & Trusts
We have carried out tree‑risk surveys for a wide range of schools, colleges, academies, and multi‑academy trusts across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do schools legally need tree surveys
Yes. Schools have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Occupiers’ Liability Acts. The NTSG guidance confirms that landowners (including schools) must manage foreseeable risks from trees. Regular surveys demonstrate compliance and provide evidence of responsible management.
How often should trees be inspected
The NTSG states there is no fixed national interval — inspections should be proportionate to risk. For schools, this usually means:
- Annual or biennial surveys in high‑use areas (playgrounds, entrances, car parks).
- Less frequent checks in low‑risk zones.
- Additional inspections after severe weather events. This tiered approach balances safety with the value of retaining trees.
What qualifications should a tree surveyor have?
According to the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG), all tree inspections must be carried out by competent persons. In an educational setting, this means the level of competence must match the level of risk, the size of the tree population, and the duty‑holder’s legal responsibilities.
Formal inspections must be undertaken by qualified arboricultural professionals
This typically includes consultants with:
- Level 6 (Degree‑Level) Arboricultural Qualifications
- LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) certification
- Professional membership of the Arboricultural Association
- Demonstrable experience in tree risk assessment
- Enhanced DBS certification (essential for working on school sites)
These individuals are considered competent to produce defensible, evidence‑based reports that meet Health & Safety and Occupiers’ Liability requirements.
Staff may carry out basic visual checks for obvious hazards, but formal reports should be produced by certified professionals.
What does a tree survey for schools include?
NTSG guidance recommends a systematic and proportionate process. A school tree survey typically covers:
- Visual inspection of tree health and structure.
- Identification of hazards (decay, deadwood, unstable roots).
- Risk rating based on likelihood and consequences of failure.
- Management recommendations (pruning, removal, monitoring).
- A documented report providing evidence of compliance and duty of care.
How do tree surveys help with insurance and liability?
NTSG stresses the importance of documentation. A written survey provides:
- Evidence that risks are being managed responsibly.
- Support in insurance claims.
- Protection against liability by showing the school acted in line with national guidance.
Are tree surveys expensive for schools?
NTSG highlights proportionality — risk management should be reasonable and cost‑effective. Surveys are generally affordable compared to the potential costs of accidents or claims.
Book a Tree Safety Survey for Your School
We provide cost‑effective, compliant tree‑risk management for schools, academies, and trusts. Get in touch to arrange a survey or request a quote.