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tree expert witness

 

HAZARD ASSESSMENTS  OF TREES

   

 

Introduction:

Some species of trees can become very large, and if they are located close to roads, or buildings, they can pose a significant safety hazard. The accurate analysis of the condition of trees enables their owners to manage them appropriately.
 
Prudent tree owners will have their trees visually inspected on a regular basis by a qualified, experienced tree consultant, arboricultural consultant. If signs of internal decay are present, it may be necessary to carry out a detailed internal investigation using specialist equipment.
 
If you would like to discuss a potential problem, give me a call.
 
Arboricultural consultants, tree consultants. Large tree, safety hazard. The tree was near a school classroom. Dr. Hope produced an arboricultural consultants, tree consultants report to have it removed. 
 
 
Arboricultural consultants, tree consultants. Beech tree showing a large open wound in the tree trunk. The same tree as the first picture. All of the pictures formed part of Dr. Hope's arboricultural consultants report. 
 
 
 tree consultants, arboricultural consultants, tree expert witness. Tree disease at the bottom of the tree trunk of the beech. Dangerous tree. 
 
 
 
Expert witness, arboricultural consultants. tree consultants. Expert witness. Dangerous tree. Tree fell onto house, and caused damage. Dr. Hope produced an arboricultural consultants, tree consultants report as part of a legal claim, in which he acted as an expert witness. 
 
Hazard assessments.

The need for hazard assessments.

As mentioned in the introduction above, some species of trees can attain extremely large sizes when mature, and if they fail, they can cause extensive damage. An example of the exent of damage can be seen in the two pictures above, where a diseased Oak tree fell onto a house, and smashed most of the roof. The roots of the tree were decayed, and the tree fell over in high winds. If a professional hazard assessment had been carried out by an experienced tree consultant, arboricultural consultant, prior to the tree failing it would have identified that it was dangerous.
 
The three pictures to the right of the introduction section of this page show a large, mature Beech growing adjacent to an infant school classroom. The tree had a large wound (cavity) on its main trunk, but showed no other signs during the spring and summer months of being potentially dangerous. A detailed inspection in autumn identified the presence of a fungal disease affecting its roots.
 
Specialist equipment would have been necessary to identify the problem during the spring and summer.
 
What a hazard assessment will entail.
 
A hazard assessment is effectively a very detailed inspection of a tree. It will usually include an overall visual inspection from ground level, although if problems are suspected, such as large decaying cavities within the crotch point, or crown (see the picture below), it may be necessary to carry out a climbed inspection. Climbed inspections cost a considerable amount more than visual inspection from ground level, due the added safety risks involved.
 
It is also important to note that detailed hazard assessment inspections of trees may be a requirement for your insurance.
 
I carry out both visual inspections from ground level, and where necessary climbed inspections.
   
Expert witness, arboricultural consultants. tree consultants. Expert witness. Large decaying cavity in the tree. The tree was unsafe. Dr. Hope produced an arboricultural consultants report on the trees, as it was protected by a TPO.
 
 
In many instances it will be quite clear that a tree has a major problem. For example there may be a large, decaying wound at ground level, or a large visible wound on the trunk (see the pictures below). However, in some cases, there may be no external signs of damage, and the cause of the problem may be far more subtle. For example soil may have been piled around the base of the tree and caused the death of the basal bark, or a disease such as Honey Fungus may be present within the soil. It is the more esoteric cases where specialist professional knowledge is critical.
  
tree consultants, arboricultural consultants, and expert witnesses. The picture shows a large decaying wound at the base of an oak. A resistograph test showed that the internal wood was decayed, and the tree was dangerous. It has a bs:5837 category rating of "R". The second picture shows a large wound on the trunk of a tree. Some internal decay was present in the wound, but the tree was not liable to snap off at the point of the wound. It was not dangerous, but was removed as part of a planning application. It has a BS.5837 category rating of "C1". 
 
 
 
tree consultants. tree expert witnesses, arboricultural consultants. The first picture shows soil piled around the base of a tree. The soil could have led to the death of the bark. The tree was not dangerous, and once the soil was removed the tree could be left in situ. The second picture shows the "Bootlace" rhizomorphs (fungal strands) of the disease known as honey fungus. The fungal threads can grow in the soil, or beneath the bark. It is one of the most serious root and butt rot diseases of trees.
 
Damage can occur to trees by external forces, such as impact damage by vehicles, or lightning strkes. Yellow and stunted growth can occur because of nutrient deficiencies, and of course trees can suffer, or even die, if sprayed with chemicals.
 
The following picture shows a tree which has been struck by lightning. The strike came down the upper main trunk in a spiral pattern, and then travelled straight down into the soil.
  
arboricultural consultants, tree consultants. Expert witness. Tree struck by lightning. Tree trunk scarred by the burning. The tree was dying, and was located in a busy park. Dr Hope produced an arboricultural consultants, tree consultants report on its condition, as part of a proposed development.
 
The equipment used for hazard assessments.
 
Various pieces of equipment are available to carry out detailed internal inspections of trees. I prefer a Resistograph  F400 with an F-Tools Pro computer attachment. The machine  makes a very small drill hole in the wood of the trees, and produces a graph which indicates the soundness of the internal tissues. The graphs, which are in colour, can be included into my reports to produce a high quality, professional representation.
 
arboricultural consultants. tree consultants. Expert Witness. Tree decay detection using a resistograph on the trunk of an Oak. The tree was in a park, and the Local Authority requested an arboricultural consultants assessment.
 
There is a piece of equipment available known as the Picus System. This produces a colour cross section of the trunk of trees, and identifies the pattern of decay. I find that I cannot quantify the actual decay using this equipment, and have to use the Resistograph to obtain accurate, quantifiable results.
 
If you have a technical problem with your tree, and need a professional opinion, give me a call, and we can discuss the most appropriate action.
   

 

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