FAQs
Common questions
Straight answers about surveys, planning reports, mortgage enquiries and site visits across Northern Ireland and Ireland.
A tree surgeon carries out physical tree work such as pruning and felling. An arboricultural consultant provides the advice, surveys and reports that decide what should happen and satisfy councils, lenders and insurers. If the question is what should be done rather than how to cut, an independent arboricultural consultant is the right starting point, and because we carry out no tree works the advice is never shaped by the prospect of selling the work.
The appropriate survey depends on why the information is required. Planning projects commonly begin with a BS 5837 tree survey, while property-management concerns may require a risk or condition assessment. Mortgage enquiries normally require a report that addresses the lender’s specific concerns. Send the details for advice.
Provide the site address (including the postcode or Eircode), the reason for the survey, the approximate number of trees and any relevant plans, photographs or correspondence. Additional information may be requested after the initial review.
Ideally, the survey should be completed before the proposed design is finalised. This allows tree constraints to be considered early and may reduce the need for later design changes.
Drawings are helpful for planning-related assessments, particularly once the design has progressed. They may not be essential for the initial tree survey or quotation.
Yes. Arboricultural information can be shared with the architect, planning consultant or other members of the project team where authorised by the client.
Yes. Surveys can relate to an individual tree, several trees or a larger site, depending on the purpose of the instruction.
The time required depends on the size of the site, number of trees, access and type of survey. An estimate can be provided once the enquiry details have been reviewed.
Turnaround depends on the service, site complexity and current workload. The expected reporting time will be confirmed with the quotation.
The report will explain the finding and provide proportionate recommendations. Where urgent action appears necessary, this will be communicated clearly.
Yes. Enquiries are accepted from across Northern Ireland and Ireland. Availability and any travel considerations will be confirmed when the site location is reviewed.
Yes. Depending on the project, support may include Arboricultural Method Statements, discharge-of-condition information, tree-protection inspections and construction-stage monitoring.
No. The survey and reports provide professional arboricultural information to support the planning process, but the final decision rests with the relevant planning authority.
Need clear advice before your project moves forward?
Send us your site information and we will help you understand the appropriate next step.