Trees play a key role in the maintenance of a healthy environment. They’re the largest plants on earth which provide many health benefits. Just one tree can produce 260 pounds of oxygen annually, in addition to cleaning our air, preventing soil erosion and providing a habitat for wildlife!
Besides health benefits, trees hold value and are an asset to land and property owners. These are just a few benefits that come with the preservation and management of trees. Although not widely discussed, it’s not hard to see why the arboriculture industry plays an essential part in the development of our communities. We sat down with our own arboricultural consultants to find out their perspective on the industry, and get an insight into their own personal connection with the role.
Why Survey Trees?
A tree survey involves identifying the species, measuring the height and width, age, overall health and life expectancy of a tree. Much of the time trees are surveyed because it is a legal requirement for a site or project, in order to gain planning permission and complete a development. However, there are other points of consideration…
Landowners have a duty of care to comply with the Occupiers Liability Act and other health and safety regulations to ensure the well-being of all visitors to their site (invited or not).
Developers might look to get a tree survey as part of their planning application. As part of the development checklist the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will expect to see evidence that professional arboricultural advice is being sought after.
Furthermore, whilst applying for a mortgage it is common for properties to require a tree survey if there is a tree close to the property that could potentially cause structural and subsidence issues, before a bank is able to grant a mortgage.
On occasion, an arboricultural consultant will be instructed to carry out a survey on a veteran tree. These tree surveys are a bespoke service to not only manage health and safety but to also preserve these natural assets.
Most tree surveys are ground based, although a tree climbing survey may be necessary if further investigations of the canopy are required. The client is subsequently provided with a report detailing tree management recommendations. It is hoped that with the help of this information, land and homeowners can make informed decisions on the management of their trees.
You might wonder what inspires somebody to become an arboricultural consultant; there are many positives to working within this industry…
The job entails many hours working outdoors meaning your working day is not solely office based. Alongside this comes the health benefits; being active and amongst nature is not only great for your physical health, but your mental health too!
An initial passion for trees allows arboricultural consultants working within this industry to maintain a connection with the natural environment.
Arboricultural consultants have the opportunity to influence a project with expert knowledge and opinion. Developing key client relationships allows the satisfaction of revisiting projects to see firsthand how their input has complimented the sites from an aesthetic point of view.
With any job comes difficulties and arboricultural consultants are not the exception of this…
Working with clients to meet tight deadlines can be straining. There are multiple elements to the planning process and all team members are under pressure to meet deadlines set by the local planning authorities. When a consultant is managing multiple projects at a time this pressure can build and it can be hard to find the balance.
When striving to achieve solutions for clients it can become frustrating on both ends when their aspirations for a site are unachievable. Being an arboricultural consultant involves being able to manage those expectations and come up with an alternative that is still of great satisfaction to the client.
As well as pressure from clients, consultants are expected to meet internal company targets and boost productivity. This can add additional pressures to a consultant’s working day.
It’s important to appreciate the planet has been significantly damaged and altered as our countries have developed and it is clear to see the enthusiasm in this industry. An arboricultural consultant can always find pleasure in contributing to the enhancement of the natural environment for future generations; working in this way allows them to give back and make a positive impact on the environment.
We currently have two exciting positions available at Wharton. If you’d like to work with us as an Arboricultural Consultant or Assistant Aboricultural Consultant, call now on 01789 459 458 to discuss further.
