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Decay Investigation, Stability & Vitality Monitoring

 

At aspect we advocate the proportionate approach and we combine that with the evidence based approach, which means when it comes to important trees that might determine where an access into a site is positioned or whether a large prominent tree is either an asset, a constraint, or a tree risk management safety concern, we feel that it is proportionate to use the best available evidence to demonstrate that the trees have been considered in the right way.

 

So before making a decision that either exposes a client to risk at planning or seeks to fulfil their tree risk management obligations, we use the latest technology and software to help us make the best decisions. We also use this equipment an expertise where trees have been damaged and questions remain regarding their physiological outlook and their structural condition.

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"The team at Aspect offer a first-class service, personable, professional and with a strong accent on finding positive solutions alongside detailed advice on all Arboriculture matters."

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PiCUS Tomography

The PiCUS Sonic Tomograph unit can detect decay cavities in standing trees non-invasively. By offering PiCUS, we are able to rely upon objective evidence to support our recommendations for tree removals and appropriate tree management.

We frequently use PiCUS to:

  • Assist developers in making best use of a site
  • Quantify risk of tree/branch failure associated with defects and decay.
  • Inform the management of protected, aged and veteran trees
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Resistograph Drilling

Resistograph drilling is non-invasive technique used to assess the internal condition of trees, providing valuable insights into their structural integrity. By measuring wood resistance as a drill probe penetrates the trunk, we can identify areas of decay, cavities, or other weaknesses that might not be visible from the outside. This precise method allows our arborists to determine the safety and health of trees, making it an essential tool for risk assessments, tree management and preservation efforts. With Resistograph drilling, we help you make informed decisions to protect both trees and people.

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Vitality Monitoring

ArborCheck offers advanced vitality monitoring to assess the health and stability of your trees over time. Using state-of-the-art technology, our ArborCheck system continuously tracks key indicators such as growth patterns, soil conditions, and physiological responses to environmental stressors. This data-driven approach allows us to detect early signs of decline or disease, providing proactive solutions to ensure your trees remain healthy and resilient. Whether for ongoing tree management, preservation, or risk mitigation, ArborCheck empowers you with the insights needed to make informed decisions and safeguard your valuable green assets.

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Stability Monitoring

Ensure the long-term safety and stability of your trees with PiCUS Tree Motion Sensors. This cutting-edge technology measures subtle movements and shifts within a tree’s structure, providing real-time data on its stability. By detecting even the slightest changes in motion, our PiCUS sensors help identify potential risks such as root damage, structural weaknesses, or wind-induced stress. Ideal for monitoring large trees in high-risk settings, this system allows for early intervention and informed decision making.

With our Stability Monitoring service, you can confidently manage tree health, prevent hazards, and protect both people and property. you can also protect yourself from claims for structural damage or destruction of a protected tree.

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Ground Amelioration & Nutrition

"Ground amelioration" refers to the process of improving soil quality by adding specific amendments or physically manipulating the soil structure, essentially making the ground more suitable for plant growth by addressing issues like poor drainage, compaction, nutrient deficiencies, or excessive acidity, often achieved through techniques like adding lime, gypsum, compost, or other organic matter depending on the soil's specific needs.

We have had success in using potassium phosphite and Trichoderma from SORBUSintl.

We use these because sometimes, prevention is better than cure. But we can't always do that, so before we resort to the chainsaw, we look at helping the tree to help itself; or at least get a head start over the agents that are causing the issue. This doesn't always work, but with some things and some assets, particularly on heritage sites,, it is really worth trying first.

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Gemma Allen

Office Manager

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Contact Gemma

01295 585 601

gemma.allen@aspect-arbor.com

 

Gem ensures the day-to-day operations of the practice run smoothly by overseeing administrative tasks, staff management and office resources, as well as keeping us all in check, she heads up all the financial aspects and ensures client queries are not overlooked. Outside of work, Gem enjoys spending time with her family and enjoys a glass of pinot grigio or two!

Social Media & Marketing

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Ellen Courtney-Thompson BA(Hons)

Ellen is unique in that she can bring us into the 21st century, away from a world of wood. And roots. And into one of something called the interweb? She also has a background in fine art and design, which means she is more than qualified to advise us on how to make trees look good and to tell people what we do well, in a way that is visually appealing. She's also got quite a lot of sass, can keep up with the guys in the office, and is one of the few people that can get Bosun to behave – even when he’s testing the boundaries and tries to put his paw in her mouth…

Justin Hodges

Arboricultural Consultant

Contact Justin

DD - 01295 585 620

justin.hodges@aspect-arbor.com

Justin has been with us since 2015 and is a man of detail, reflected in his encyclopedic knowledge of unusual tree species and cultivars – he is also a musician and therefore inherently articulate in his reporting. Justin heads our ground investigations and tree vitality monitoring, where detail and accuracy make all the difference in being a results-driven practice. Having spent most of his career to date in the field, he now enjoys supporting Patrick and James in the preparation of technical reports.

Gavin Wright

Technical & Graphics Consultant

Contact Gavin

DD – 01296 585 619

gavin.wright@aspect-arbor.com

The ‘Gavlar’ controls the flow and accuracy of all the data we provide – when not making things look great and ready on time, he’s training everyone else in the use of the latest tree survey and assessment software. His keen eye for detail enables him to deliver precise and efficient solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each project. Outside of work, he likes to entertain his family with his "legendary" guitar solos, "virtuoso" piano performances, and unparalleled air guitar skills—though they might describe it more as enthusiastic noise-making. Gavlar can often be found scurrying towards the buffet at a Christmas do and makes a mean cup of tea. Gavlar’s been carrying the Team since 2013.

Jared Cleary

Arboricultural Surveyor

Jared is the archetypal outdoorsman and ready for anything. His infectious enthusiasm for trees is partnered with his eye for detail and efficiency - skills entrenched from his service as a paratrooper and sniper. Jared always gets his tree…

James Bardey

Principal Arboriculturist

BSc(Hons) TechArborA

Contact James

DD – 01295 585 608

james.bardey@aspect-arbor.com

James’s recall and enthusiasm for absorbing the smallest details have led to his progression as a successful expert witness since joining in 2010. He has a special interest in veteran trees and Biodiversity Net Gain and has a particular obsession with rugby.

Patrick Haythornthwaite

Principal Arboriculturist

FdSc TechArborA

Contact Patrick

DD – 01295 585 605

patrick.haythornthwaite@aspect-arbor.com

Pat is the consummate professional, possessing foresight crafted in experience to ensure results; he oversees many of our most prestigious projects with the capacity to draw on the full team. Pat is happiest in the countryside with his dogs; he’s also a mediocre skier and enjoys the grounding of farm work at home. He can assist with all new enquiries and will lead projects from conception, through design, and towards successful applications.

Dr. Richard Curtis

Director / Owner

BSc(Hons) Pg Dip PhD MArborA

Contact Richard

DD – 01295 585 602

Mobile – 07837 192375

richard.curtis@aspect-arbor.com

 

Richard has led and developed Aspect Arboriculture for 17 years, having previously spent 7 years researching public benefit forestry and environmental policy. He delights presenting as an expert witness, is obsessed with the evidence-based approach and has a keenness for stakeholder engagement. Sailing and hillwalking with Bosun are his principal vices.

Krys Legierski

Arboricultural Surveyor

Krys studied with Dan Smith, subsequently gaining his Professional Tree Inspection certification since joining us in 2020. As an outdoorsman and keen birdwatcher, he is at home in the trees – Krys is especially accomplished in undertaking our climbed decay work and tends to lead in the use of PiCUS and Resistograph investigations.

Dan Smith

Arboricultural Surveyor

FdSc

Dan joined Aspect in 2019 to further develop his Arboricultural expertise while completing a degree in Arboriculture. Passionate about nature, he has an insatiable curiosity for tree and decay fungi identification.

Balancing surveying with hands-on Arboricultural contracting, Dan stays at the forefront of industry best practices. His dual focus ensures he is well-equipped to specify technical tree risk management solutions and carry out practical operations with precision and care.

Graham Neal

Arboricultural Surveyor

Erudite and professional, crafted by 20 years of contracting, academic and self-employed arboricultural experience. The consummate all-rounder in all aspects of technical arboriculture and undoubtably the best-dressed man at Aspect. Graham’s self-reliance and preparedness in his work are honed by a passion for solo trekking any place remote.

Bosun

Head of sticks and mischief

Qualified in causing chaos

Bosun has few redeeming qualities but will lift your spirits. He is currently working on his manners.
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