Professional Tree Inspection

This is an advanced tree inspection course for those experienced in tree inspection and ideally holding a minimum Level 3 qualification in Arboriculture. You should also have excellent knowledge of wood decaying fungi and the identification and interpretation of signs and symptoms of ill health and structural failure across a wide range of tree species and circumstances. The course involves a mix of theory and practical sessions where you will learn how to clearly and competently inspect potentially hazardous trees and cover how to appropriately document detailed remedial works (control measures).

Course Objectives

• Recognise the role of tree inspector in risk management
• Identify the legal framework in the context of statute and common law that affect tree inspection and the duties and liabilities of the owner, manager and inspector
• Summarise how a tree system functions, what constitutes a safe tree and know that energy is required to keep the tree in a healthy/safe state
• Adopt a systematic and consistent methodology for carrying out visual tree inspection at an advanced level with the aid of binoculars, mallet and probes
• Collect data out in the field in accordance with the inspection instructions (having determined the scope and limitations) using a suitable format. For this course, a written survey template with appropriate headings will be used
• Recognise a range of observable mechanical and biological defects as seen in trees and confirmed by the use of textbooks where necessary
• Identify a range of commonly seen pests, diseases and disorders that affect tree safety, confirm their identity by the use of textbooks, and state the arboriculture significance of finding them in a field
• State the appropriate control/remedial measures required to eliminate or reduce risks identified in the inspection process to an acceptable level
• Determine when an aerial inspection is required, also if proactive management recommendations can be made which may eliminate future defects from forming
• Prioritise the necessary tree/management works with time scales based on a broad category of risk assessment
• Identify when it is appropriate to recommend the use of decay detecting or measuring equipment, based on basic knowledge of the working principles of commonly available equipment
• Understanding that a balance between the remedial measure opted for and the range of benefits/values that a tree may have, requires special attention e.g. amenity, wildlife, historical, veteran, rarity and public access

Who is the course for?

Experienced and qualified arboriculturists who wish to gain tree inspection training at an advanced level. Prospective trainees should be experienced in carrying out tree inspection survey and inspection.

Tree climbing and use of MEWP will not be required during the course.

Certification

Lantra Awards Professional Tree Inspection Certificate

Pre-requisites

A minimum Arboricultural qualification at Level 3 and 5 years carrying out tree surveys and inspections.

Duration/Format

3 days consisting of workshop and practical sessions

Course Content

• Introduction
• The Legal Framework
• The Tree
• As a dynamic living system
• An undamaged, self-optimized structure
• The law of the minimal lever arm and strategy of flexibility
• Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)
• Principel fungal decay organisms
• Mechanical symptoms of defects
• Tree inspection equipment
• Making and writing management recommendations
• Practical exercises
• Workshop sessions
• Hazard evaluations
• VTA tree walk
• Introduction to decay detection and measuring equipment
• Assessment
• Final round up

Equipment Required

• Outdoor clothing, including ‘Hi-viz’
• Clipboard
• Pro-forma record sheet
• Binoculars
• Mallet and probe
• Diameter tape
• Height measuring device