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Tree Surveys

You can’t make an informed decision regarding the effect of development proposals or tree risk management if you don’t have clear and detailed evidence before you. The only way you capture that, is by undertaking the very best and most detailed tree surveys.

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Feasibility Studies & Site Promotion

A cost-effective, concise survey conducted prior to making any offer on land. Its purpose is to identify trees that could pose constraints to proposed development, and which should be prioritised for retention during design. The survey is provided in the form of a tree location drawing, accompanied by detailed annotations or a technical advice note.

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BS5837:2012 Tree Surveys

We specialise in conducting BS5837:2012 tree surveys for a wide range of projects, from large-scale developments to individual trees on smaller residential sites across Great Britain. The primary objective of these surveys is to gather detailed information about trees on or near the site, which helps guide design decisions.

Our tree surveys are based on a visual tree assessment, with tree locations identified through a topographical survey. In accordance with BS5837:2012 “Trees in relation to Design, Construction and Demolition” the survey includes the following details: Tree Numbers, Species, Stem Diameter, Tree Heights, Crown Spreads, Crown Clearance, Life Stage, Physiological and Structural condition, Comments, BS5837 Category, and Estimated Remaining Contribution.

Ancient & Veteran Tree Assessment

Preserving the legacy of our ancient and veteran trees requires expertise and care. Our Ancient or Veteran Tree Assessments offer tailored solutions to protect these ecological and historical treasures. We assess the health, structure, and habitat value of veteran trees, ensuring they are managed responsibly for future generations. Whether it’s maintaining biodiversity, addressing safety concerns, or promoting long-term stability, our experienced arborists provide actionable plans rooted in best practices and environmental stewardship.

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Woodland surveys

Understanding your woodland is the first step to unlocking its full potential. Our Woodland Surveys provide comprehensive insights into health, biodiversity, and ecological value. From assessing tree species and age to identifying key wildlife habitats, our expert team delivers accurate data and actionable recommendations. Whether you’re focused on conservation, sustainable management, or enhancing your woodland’s resilience, our tailored surveys will enable you to make informed decisions for the future of your woodland.

Climbed Inspections

When ground-based inspections aren’t enough, our climbed inspections provide a thorough, hands-on approach to assessing the health and safety of trees. Using rope and harness techniques and mobile elevated work platforms, our experienced arborists conduct detailed inspections at height, allowing us to closely examine structures which may pose a risk. This method is particularly useful for assessing large or mature trees, where traditional approaches may not provide a complete picture. With a focus on safety and precision, our climbed inspections deliver accurate, actionable data to enable informed, evidence-based decisions to be taken with regard to tree care and management.

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Canopy Cover Assessment

Understanding the extent of tree canopy coverage is an effect means for assessing the health and resilience of a site’s tree stock. Many local Council’s now require canopy cover assessments as part of the planning process to help demonstrate how new development opportunities will support a healthy tree stock and meet local canopy coverage targets. Our Tree Canopy Cover Assessment provides a detailed analysis of tree cover across your site, measuring canopy density and distribution, using advanced mapping techniques and on-site data collection. Whether for urban planning, land conservation, or biodiversity management, our comprehensive reports facilitate informed decisions to protect, enhance and promote healthy tree stocks.

Tree Risk Management Surveys

A Tree Risk Management Survey is a professional assessment conducted to evaluate the health, stability, and potential risks posed by trees in a specific area. Landowners hold a responsibility responsible for any injury or damage caused by hazardous trees and have a duty of care to ensure that tree stocks do not pose a risk.

TRM Surveys identifies hazards such as disease, structural weaknesses or environmental stresses that could lead to tree failure. The goal is to prioritize tree maintenance or other mitigation actions, over tree removal (unless absolutely necessary).

We provide the survey findings in the form of a comprehensive report or schedule, along with a tree location drawing.

TRM

Graham Neal

Arboricultural Surveyor

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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.

Dr. Richard Curtis

Director / Owner

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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.

Dan Smith

Arboricultural Surveyor

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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.

Krys Legierski

Arboricultural Surveyor

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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.

Bosun

Head of sticks and mischief

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Qualified in causing chaos

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

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.

Justin Hodges

Arboricultural Consultant

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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