Tree Surveys For Schools
Our Consultants are professional members of the Arboriculture Association, experienced LANTRA Professional Tree Inspectors & Enhanced DBS Certified
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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EDUCATIONAL SECTOR
Tree Risk Assessments for Educational Sites
Schools have a legal obligation and duty of care to make sure all the trees on or within a site are safe. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure this is implemented regardless of how many trees there are on the land.
By carrying out routine tree inspections it is possible to make an early identification of poor tree health and decay in trees so that schools can bring in Contractors to manage unsafe trees. Furthermore, by having a rolling program of tree inspections, management and monitoring schools can demonstrate they are meeting their legal duty of care to safeguard staff, pupils and visitors.
All of our consultants who undertake visual tree assessments (VTA), professional members of the Arboriculture Association hold Lantra Awards Certificate for Professional Tree Inspections, Enhanced DBS Certification and are licensed QTRA tree risk assessors that have carried out tree safety and risk surveys for 60 educational sites across the UK for schools, colleges, university's, for local and national educational bodies, academy chains. We have Professional Indemnity insurance up to £1 million and Public Liability for £5 million with Arborisk
Our tree health & safety audits are an early warning system for school managers. Our tree management plans give a prioritized schedule of tree work so that tree risk can be reduced to a reasonable level. Our work allows the clients to demonstrate they had met their duty of care to pupils, staff and visitors.
We can prepared a tree inventory and devised a prioritized schedule of tree works so tree contractors can easily carry out the tree risk management works. We only recommended tree works essential reducing tree risk so that school budgets were not exhausted on unnecessary work. We use tree management software and survey equipment from Pear Technology for fast and efficient data capture, digital mapping and plan production. We also have the latest tree decay detection equipment if defects in trees further investigation.
Tree Assessments should be considered if:
- Defects such as deadwood, fallen or split branches, cavities, and decayed timber are visible signs that a tree presents a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury to school children or property.
- When a tree poses a potential threat or hazard to pupils, teachers, or parents i.e. playgrounds, pathways, sports fields, etc.
(Tree Inspection & Risk Assessment)
- If there are any plans to extend the school, playground, sports pitches or outdoor modular buildings and nearby trees could be an issue (BS5837 Tree Survey & Report).
- Or would like a tree management plan for your educational site, In addition, having a tree survey and tree management plan in place can provide great aesthetics, a safer environment, and can be finally beneficial. The lack of a tree management plan for the mature tree population could see mechanical failure causing destruction to property, and vehicles, or death and injury to staff or the public.
Below are a few of the schools, colleges, trusts and companies we have carryout out tree risk surveys on there sites.
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 NTSG, inspections must be undertaken by competent persons. For schools, this means:
- Qualified arboricultural consultants with professional training (e.g. Lantra Professional Tree Inspection)
- 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.
Want a tree safety survey for your school?
We can provide a cost-effective survey programme to help you manage tree risk and remain compliant.
