WRC Trees is a team of highly qualified and experienced arboricultural consultants offering professional tree management services for insurance, planning, development and duty of care. Our clients include local councils, government organisations, energy companies, landowners, homeowners, architects and developers.
We’ve built our business on professionalism and a deeply rooted environmental commitment. Using our clients’ words, you will find us friendly, knowledgeable and reliable. We specialise in tree surveys, inspections and reports as well as practical tree management. Our tree services include:
To discuss your specific requirements, get in contact with our team who will be happy to advise you. You can find out more about us or read our latest news. WRC Trees provides services across Somerset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire Gloucestershire and beyond.
ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES, READ MORE:
TREE RISK MANAGEMENT
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TREE CONDITION ASSESSMENTS
WRC Trees have extensive experience in surveying tree populations and inspecting individual trees for Local Authorities, large land owners, commercial organisations, schools, Parish Councils and home owners.
WRC Trees undertake tree risk surveys and inspections and tree condition assessments. These aim to identify any defects or conditions that may predispose a tree to part or total failure, thus discharging the owner or occupier of the land’s legal Duty of Care under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and 1984. Surveys and inspections of this type will also help to preserve trees of importance to you.
Subject to your requirements WRC Trees will usually plot your trees using GPS to create a map of their locations, and in all cases provide a written report detailing the findings of the survey or inspection, and management recommendations.
Our consultants are licensed users of the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment methodology (QTRA) which can be used to calculate the risk of harm posed by your trees. This assists in recommending works only where the risk of harm is at an unacceptable level.
WRC Trees can undertake tree health surveys to identify any pests or pathogens that may be harming your trees or affecting their stability, or in some cases, reassure you that a disorder or attack is not detrimental to the health of your trees with no work, protection or treatment necessary.
DECAY TESTING
The presence of decay pathogens in some trees may warrant further investigation depending on the location and target of the tree, or their importance in the landscape or to the owner.
WRC Trees are able to measure decay with our IML-RESI PD400 Microdrill which measures the resistance of wood to determine the extent of decay if present. Using our knowledge and expertise we are able to make sound management recommendations based on the results. Whilst the Microdrill is an invasive tool the needle diameter is only 3mm with research concluding that no detrimental effects are caused to tested trees.
WRC Trees are also able to map and measure decay using our IML Picus 3 Sonic Tomography System. A semi-invasive procedure, this equipment produces a cross sectional map of decay at the point at which it is used. It can also be used at multiple points and overlaid on an image of the tree to represent the vertical extent of any decay. Following expert analysis and evaluation, WRC Trees can present data to tree owners and managers in an easy-to-understand image.
TREES AND PLANNING
Trees are an important component of the planning process. Consequently, Local Planning Authorities will request an Arboricultural report for trees that may be impacted by a proposed development compliant with British Standard 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations. WRC Trees are able to undertake the following:
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Tree Constraints Assessments – A categorisation of all trees and groups both on and off site to ascribe retentive value and to highlight any constraints to the proposed development. This should be used to aid the design of the development.
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Arboricultural Impact Assessments – Any trees that are impacted by the proposed development are highlighted in these assessments, with measures described to mitigate impact where feasible.
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Tree Protection Plans – Any development taking place close to trees will require a tree protection plan which identifies trees to be retained and the protective measures to be implemented for the duration of the development.
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Arboricultural Method Statements – These detail the methodology for implementing special measures where the development has the potential to harm trees, e.g., for the removal of existing hardstanding around trees, the use of cellular confinement systems, etc.
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Arboricultural Supervision and Site Monitoring – Local Planning Authorities will often place this as a condition on a development to ensure compliance with an Arboricultural Method Statement, for example to confirm trees are properly protected and that elements of construction that may affect trees are properly undertaken.
PROTECTED TREES
If a tree is afforded statutory protection by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or a Conservation Area an application must be made to the Local Planning Authority for the former and a notification of intent for the latter before any works are undertaken. In some cases, professional supporting evidence will be required for a TPO application.
WRC Trees have extensive experience in submitting applications and notifications for works to protected trees and are able to do so on your behalf should you wish, and can provide supporting evidence for works where it is justifiable.
If an application is refused or a new TPO made WRC Trees can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or make representations on your behalf where there are reasonable grounds to do so.
ANCIENT AND VETERAN TREES
Ancient and veteran trees are of great biological, aesthetic and cultural importance. The term ancient may be ascribed to trees of differing age dependent on their longevity as a species. Veteran trees may not all be old but will have many of the characteristics of ancient trees that are vitally important for local biodiversity.
WRC Trees have wide experience in the identification and management of veteran trees in a range of settings. We are able to undertake surveys and inspections to ascertain veteran or ancient status of trees if unknown, and produce maps and plans to sensitively manage these important assets, thus helping to ensure their contribution for future generations.
TREE PLANTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
WRC Trees are able to produce planting plans and specifications for commercial and residential clients, ranging from singe trees to large populations or woodland planting. This can be for an array of purposes but typically will be to meet a planning condition from a Local Planning Authority or simply to enhance visual amenity or biodiversity. Whatever your objective, WRC Trees can produce bespoke recommendations and plans.
Without properly planned and implemented aftercare your young trees may succumb to the adverse effects of climate, environment or pests and diseases. WRC Trees can produce aftercare plans for your trees to help ensure successful establishment.
ASH DIEBACK
Ash dieback (Hymenoschyphus fraxineus) is a highly significant disease affecting our native ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) and a range of other exotic ornamental trees within the genus Fraxinus.
The effects of the disease is widely reported in the media. It is imperative when managing ash trees that current research and guidance is followed. Genetic variation in ash trees means that a small percentage will survive ash dieback and will have heritable tolerance, thus enabling a repopulation of the species. Whilst some affected trees cannot be retained, especially where a secondary pathogen such as honey fungus (Armillaria ssp.) has weakened them further, where feasible felling should be avoided to enable tolerant trees to remain.
Many trees are misdiagnosed with ash dieback or removed without symptoms as a precautionary measure. WRC Trees are able to inspect your trees for symptoms to accurately determine the presence or absence of ash dieback and make sound management recommendations. Wise management of ash trees has the potential to benefit the landscape and wildlife and save the tree owner money.
SOIL AMELIORATION
The symptoms of decline or low vitality in tree crowns may be indicative of a poor rooting environment. Compacted soil does not allow for the free exchange of gases between roots and rooting medium, inhibits root growth and nutrient uptake, and may cause waterlogging and root death.
These factors frequently lead to poor crown condition with a reduction in vitality and potentially the death of the tree.
WRC Trees can inspect trees to determine whether or not the soil conditions are causing decline and create and implement plans to improve these conditions. WRC Trees have experience and knowledge of ameliorating soil conditions for trees by use of Air Spade (which uses compressed air to break up soil) where appropriate, or by other means to decompact soil. Decomposed woodchip may be incorporated into the soil or used as a mulch as necessary with biochar (a charcoal product with multiple soil health benefits) used if considered appropriate.
Trees will have different requirements dependent on factors such as age or level of compaction.
WOODLAND MANAGEMENT
WRC Trees can advise on the management of small woodlands and are able to offer a range of services to meet this provision:
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Survey: WRC Trees can undertake woodland surveys to provide data to inform management decisions, create a woodland inventory, provide details on structure and composition or provide National Vegetation Classifications.
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Management Plans: A management plan is vital for sustainable woodland management. WRC Trees are able to create a management plan to meet the objectives of your woodland. Woodlands greater than 3Ha in area may be eligible for a minimum Government grant of £1000 towards the cost of a management plan.
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Felling Licences: Whilst some exemptions exist, a felling licence will usually be required for felling trees in woodland. WRC Trees can clarify if a felling licence is required and take the necessary steps to obtain one on your behalf.
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Planting Schemes: WRC Trees use their experience and knowledge combined with current research and guidance to produce planting schemes for small or new woodlands that are resilient, to meet client objectives.
HOMEBUYERS REPORT
Mortgage lenders may ask those purchasing property to have a survey undertaken to identify any risk posed by existing vegetation to the property by indirect damage (subsidence), or from risk of damage by part or total tree failure. WRC Trees are able to undertake surveys of this type and produce reports satisfying your mortgage lender.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
Professional tree surveys, inspections and reports across Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire and beyond
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