Professional Tree Inspection

This is a 3-day course designed for candidates who are experienced, qualified arboriculturists with an in-depth knowledge of plant and arboricultural science.

Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of wood-decaying fungi, identification and interpretation of signs and symptoms of ill health and structural failure across a wide range of tree species and circumstances.

They should be thoroughly experienced in carrying out tree inspection and survey. It is expected that candidates should hold a minimum arboricultural qualification at Level 3, or equivalent, plus five years experience in carrying out tree survey and inspection.

Course content

Introduction

The legal framework

The tree ~ As a dynamic living system. As an undamaged, self optimised structure

The law of the minimal lever arm and strategy of flexibility

Visual tree assessment [VTA]

Principle fungal decay organisms

Mechanical symptoms of defects

Tree inspection equipment

Making and writing management recommendations

Practical exercises

Workshop sessions

Hazard evaluation

VTA tree walk

Introduction to decay detention and measuring equipment

Assessment and final round up