How we manage tree risk at Tyler Grange

Trees are found on almost every type of land, from developments and public rights of way to schools and residential estates.

Thankfully, for most landowners, they rarely cause any issues. But if a tree fails and causes injury or damage, there’s a legal responsibility to show that reasonable steps were taken to manage the risk.

Trees provide enormous environmental and landscape benefits, and some level of risk will always exist where trees and people share the same space.

Having a structured approach in place helps you identify the level of risk and understand if mitigation is required.

Before looking at how risk is assessed, it helps to understand situations where having a strategy in place becomes important.

Where tree risk matters most

Assessing the risk becomes more important when people and property regularly interact in the same space.

That could mean:

– Trees next to a busy motorway

– Trees adjacent to a public footpath

– Trees within falling distance of a home or school playground

– Trees outside a small convenience shop

Development can add another layer of responsibility, as, even before construction begins, sites can have surveyors and other consultants carrying out work. As projects progress, contractors and visitors may also be using the site.

Each of those activities increases the number of people potentially at risk, which changes how trees should be assessed and managed. Tree risk isn’t just about the condition of the tree but about what surrounds it and how the space is used.

What makes a tree high risk?

Risk doesn’t solely come down to whether a tree has decay, cavities, deadwood or visible defects. Those features can indicate potential issues, but they don’t mean a higher level of risk.

Risk also comes down to:

– The likelihood of failure (i.e., the probability of a tree’s trunk, branches or roots breaking or the tree being uprooted)

– How often people or property are likely to be nearby

– The potential consequences if a branch or the tree itself fell

This is where frameworks such as the Health and Safety Executive’s Tolerability of Risk (ToR) approach support decision-making, as they require that risk is reduced As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). They recognise that risk can’t always be removed entirely, and that decisions need to balance safety, cost, effort and emphasise the wider benefits of trees we all benefit from in our daily lives. These principles are reflected in the nationally recognised tree-safety management guidance published by the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG), Common sense risk management of trees.

Disproportionate tree risk management can often lead to unnecessary removals, where trees could have been retained safely with the right approach.

A consistent way of assessing tree risk

VALID is the tree risk methodology we use across our work.

It aligns closely with the HSE’s ToR framework and the ALARP principle, providing a structured way of assessing tree risk that brings consistency to how decisions are made, while allowing space for professional judgement to be made.

The focus of the VALID methodology isn’t purely on what defects a tree may have. It requires inspectors to assess risk in context, considering use and exposure.

The outcomes of using VALID include:

– Clear prioritisation

– Consistent decision-making

– Strong defensibility in the event of scrutiny or litigation

– Improved retention of appropriate trees and their many benefits

Assessments are always undertaken by qualified and experienced arboriculturists, ensuring professional judgement is applied alongside a structured framework.

Why proactive tree risk matters

Having a proactive tree risk strategy in place, rather than reacting when there’s a problem can offer cost savings as well as allowing informed decision making.

When there’s no clear approach in place, decisions are often made under pressure, which can lead to more urgent work and less time to weigh up options.

When we work with clients early, it’s far more straightforward. You can:

– Plan surveys properly

– Build the findings into budgets and programmes

– Factor results into decisions before things are fixed

– Avoid having to revisit decisions later on

It also leads to better outcomes for the trees. With the right information at the right time, there’s more chance of retaining valuable trees, rather than removing trees simply because there isn’t enough time left to properly assess the options. It also helps to communicate the decision-making to interested parties, from stakeholders to interested members of the public.

Managing risk while retaining the right trees

Trees often become some of the most valuable features on a site.

They help:

– Shape the character of a place

– Provide habitat for wildlife

– Contribute to wider environmental objectives

– Provide shade for pedestrians and wildlife

– Absorb air pollution in cities

– Provide food such as apples, pears and walnuts.

Managing tree risk should support the long-term retention of trees wherever appropriate. The focus is on understanding where risks exist and implementing a proactive approach that combines risk assessment frameworks and professional judgement.

Decisions can then be made on evidence rather than assumption, helping landowners meet their responsibilities while continuing to benefit from the value trees provide.

Managing tree risk with confidence

Every site is different, which is why tree risk decisions should always be made in context.

Having the right information available early makes it easier to understand what action may be required.

Choosing the correct framework for assessing that information is just as important, which is why we use the VALID methodology to help bring consistency and structure to how tree risk is assessed, while still allowing space for professional judgement.

Speak to our arboriculture team for advice on the right tree risk strategy and survey approach for your site and responsibilities.

Get in touch

How we manage tree risk at Tyler Grange

Where tree risk matters most

What makes a tree high risk?

A consistent way of assessing tree risk

Why proactive tree risk matters

Managing risk while retaining the right trees

Managing tree risk with confidence

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