UPM Tilhill Launches Tree Survey and Inspection Service

UPM Tilhill has launched a new tree survey and inspection service to assist home owners, landowners and estate managers in the care and understanding of their tree stock.

The new ‘Arboricultural Services’ section of UPM Tilhill comprises a 30-strong team of established managers who have added to their professional qualifications by successfully completing an in-house 3 day Tree Inspectors course. Based across each of the company’s 12 UK district offices, the Team members will undertake tree surveys within private properties, woodlands with public rights of way, estates with areas of formal public access and roadside edges, council street trees, Utility supply areas with public access, or development sites – each survey tailored to suit clients’ requirements and objectives.

“Owning trees, from one to a forest, brings responsibility - a duty of care to keep users of land on private and neighbouring properties, public highways or rights of way, safe from harm,” said Pete Jackson, Business Development Manager, UPM Tilhill. “The launch of this service will enable a greater diversity of people, businesses and organisations to gain direct access to professional, arboricultural advice that can address all their tree-related concerns, from safety or subsidence to general tree management advice or practical help regarding current legislation.”

A tree survey is recommended for:

• Safety –owners, occupiers and those responsible for trees have a duty of care to users and neighbours who may be affected by a dangerous tree on their property;
• Building development – existing trees can enhance new development, but it is important to get the balance between mature vegetation and the needs of future occupiers. British Standard 5837: Trees in Relation to Construction 2005 requires developers to bring in arboriculturalists at an early stage to complete a full tree survey and produce recommendations for a site;
• Subsidence - trees can be implicated in subsidence issues. A tree survey can determine the likely cause of the problem and include an assessment of the soil type, plus an investigation into any structural cause for subsidence damage;
• Better management – a survey will aid understanding of the tree stock; help owners plan for sustainable management; and improve awareness of the trees’ environmental and financial benefits.

Surveys are typically carried out using hand-held computers with GPS plotting the exact location of trees onto a GIS map, making data capture and analysis a very efficient process. Site specific management plans can be produced from the data detailing work priority and costs, inspection frequency and management recommendations. The service is supported by UPM Tilhill’s related services which include tree surgery and removal, commercial landscaping, conservation works, weed control, and planting & seeding.

To talk to UPM Tilhill about tree survey and inspection services, call the head office on 01786 435000. For information about other UPM Tilhill services, visit www.upm-tilhill.com|

Press for further information contact:
Jackie Brown, Public Relations Adviser on tel: 01787 221830 / mob: 0779 297 0919 / email: jackie@jackiebrownpr.org.uk

UPM Tilhill Marketing. March 2007