Tree Surgeon  Enfield 

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Archives: FAQs

  • Do newly planted trees need a maintenance plan?

    Planting is the start of the care process. A young tree's roots need time to develop beyond the original rootball, and poor watering or damage from tight ties can undermine establishment. Care needs change with weather and growth, so the plan should include checks rather than a fixed watering instruction alone. Record who is responsible and arrange cover for absences.

  • Can tree maintenance be carried out during bird nesting season?

    There is no single calendar date that makes every tree safe to work on. Birds can nest outside the main breeding period, so the presence of an active nest matters. Work may need to be delayed or changed to avoid harm. Other protected wildlife, including bats and their roosts, can also affect what work is appropriate and whether specialist advice is needed.

  • Can a tree survey help us prioritise maintenance work?

    A useful report explains which trees need action and the reasons for each recommendation. This can help a school, estate or facilities team plan work around budgets and site access. Some findings may require further investigation before treatment is specified. Record completed work and any follow-up requirements, so the survey becomes part of an ongoing management process rather than an isolated document.

  • What is the difference between a tree condition survey and a BS 5837 survey?

    A tree condition report can help prioritise maintenance and further inspection. A BS 5837 survey addresses trees in the context of development, including their dimensions, retention value and root protection needs. Its findings can inform supporting planning documents. The two surveys may record some similar observations, but their purposes differ, so a routine condition report may not meet a planning application's requirements.

  • What signs suggest a tree needs professional inspection?

    A change in a tree's appearance is a reason to seek advice, especially where branches extend over areas used by people. Fungal growth or cavities may also need assessment, although their significance varies. Avoid diagnosing a tree from photographs alone. If there appears to be an immediate danger, keep people away from the affected area and arrange prompt professional assessment.

  • What happens if a tree survey identifies a problem?

    Some issues can be managed through suitable maintenance, while others need a closer inspection before work is agreed. Review the recommendations with the surveyor and obtain a clear specification for any tree surgery required. Check permissions where relevant, then keep a record of the action taken. A survey identifies management needs; its value depends on appropriate follow-up.

  • Does a tree survey give permission to work on a protected tree?

    Recommendations to prune or remove a tree must be considered alongside its protection status. A Tree Preservation Order may require a separate application, and conservation area procedures may also apply. The report can help explain why work is proposed, but the local planning authority determines the relevant permission requirements. Do not assume that a survey recommendation authorises the work to begin.

  • Can a tree survey prove that roots are causing subsidence?

    Cracking or building movement can have several causes, and the presence of nearby trees does not establish responsibility. An investigation may require structural assessment, monitoring and information about soils or roots. Tell the surveyor and your insurer about the concern before commissioning a report. Tree removal or root cutting should not be treated as a default response without understanding the evidence.

  • What does a professional tree planting service involve?

    A successful planting project starts with the conditions on the site and the space the tree will need as it matures. Ground preparation and planting depth matter as much as the initial appearance. Support or protection may be needed depending on the tree and setting. The agreed scope should also make clear who will handle watering and ongoing care after planting.

  • When is the best time to plant trees in the UK?

    Cooler conditions can make establishment easier because newly planted trees face less demand for water. Bare-root and root-balled trees are generally planted while dormant. Container-grown trees offer more flexibility, but still need suitable ground conditions and aftercare. Planting should be postponed if the soil is frozen or waterlogged, and a reliable watering plan is especially important for warmer weather planting.