Now integrated into ACD Environmental, the arboricultural team, led by Tom Grayshaw, continues to meet the demands driven by requirements of BS5837:2012 ‘Trees In Relation To Design, Demolition & Construction’. Tom has now been a practicing arboriculturist for 18 years and has gained the Arboricultural Association Technicians Certificate. In 2018 he achieved the premier arboricultural qualification in the UK: the Level 6 Diploma in Arboriculture. Tom is also professional member of the Arboricultural Association and a Lantra Professional Tree Inspector.
BS5837 recommends that local planning authorities request the retention of an arboricultural consultant through all stages of development, especially the construction process. All planning applications are now expected to show that trees have been accounted for within development proposals. To achieve this ACD prepares tree reports, arboricultural impact assessments, tree protection plans and arboricultural method statements to the highest standard.
Our comprehensive service includes close liaison with design teams prior to application through to the production of realistic and workable layout proposals, arboricultural site supervision and monitoring, and acting as expert witness at appeals. Our experience suggests that the continuous site monitoring and on-site advice protects against costly site-closure and prosecution. Working closely with ACD’s ecologists, landscape architects and archaeologists, a truly holistic approach is assured. This enables the presentation of a robust environmental approach in support of any planning application; from a small domestic extension, to large developments of hundreds of units.
Tree owners have a legal obligation to fulfil their Duty of Care and ensure their trees do not present a danger to persons or property. Detailed tree inspections and tree inventories can vary in cost and scope depending on the number of trees and likely targets should those trees fail.
ACD can help provide peace of mind for tree owners with a robust tree management plan.
Spreading urbanisation is steadily increasing the value of our remaining woodlands. It is essential that management strategies are robust and realistic if tree stocks are to be sustainably retained and improved.
In addition to the health & safety issues involved with tree management, ACD has experience in drafting and implementing tree and woodland management plans from both a local authority, and private land owner approach.
Householders may find information and advice on TPO’s hard to come by. ACD can offer advice on works to trees within conservation areas and where a TPO is in place. Where conflicts arise, ACD’s long running relationships with many tree officers can help resolutions and avoid drawn out appeal situations.
To discuss individual requirements and for further information please contact Tom Grayshaw.
Contrary to popular belief, tree roots tend to proliferate in the top 600mm of soil, and can radiate out as far as twice the height of a tree.
New roots grow through the network of pore spaces in soil which are the width of a thin worm, and cannot reduce their size to enter small pore spaces.
Tree roots ‘breath’ in oxygen, and ‘exhale’ CO2. Compaction therefore, even one pass of a vehicles’ wheels, can seriously impede root growth. Protecting tree roots means healthy trees.
Tree roots in a natural woodland environment will form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, swapping carbohydrates for water and nutrients.
