Emergency Call-Outs
Capel Tree Surgeons assessing a mature tree before giving advice
Tree Surveys

Concerned about a tree?

A dead branch, a new lean or damage after a storm is a reason to ask for an assessment. Tell Brad what has changed and what is nearby.

Call 01403 730771Request A Survey
Tree surgeon looking up into a mature oak canopy during a survey
When A Survey Helps

Understanding the tree and the site

The size of a tree alone does not tell you whether it is dangerous. Its condition, structure and surroundings all need to be considered.

Brad assesses the tree and the site, then discusses what needs attention and whether further investigation is needed.

The tree looks wrong and you can't decide whether it's a worry or you're just imagining it.
Something came down in the last storm and there's another limb that doesn't look right.
You want to do work near the tree (fencing, an extension, a driveway) and you need to know what's in the way.
The tree might be protected and you need to understand what you can and can't do before anyone picks up a saw.
What You Get

Advice before deciding on the work

Advice on the tree’s condition and any work needed
An assessment of the tree and what could be affected if it failed
Guidance on TPO constraints, conservation area rules, and anything that needs council involvement
A quote for the follow-on work if tree surgery is the right next step
Protected Tree Advice
The Honest Version

What the assessment covers

The assessment considers the tree’s condition, its branches and trunk, and the buildings, paths and neighbouring property around it.

If the tree is protected, by a TPO or because it's in a conservation area, he'll tell you what that means in practice. Which councils are involved, what permissions are needed, what you can do without asking, and what needs proper notification before anyone goes up.

If work is recommended, ask for the reasons and a written quote. For a formal report, explain who needs it and what it must cover before booking.

Horsham Tree Surgeon
/location/horsham
Crawley Tree Surgeon
/location/crawley
Guildford Tree Surgeon
/location/guildford
Cranleigh Tree Reports
/location/cranleigh
Walton-on-Thames Tree Reports
/location/walton-on-thames
Nutfield Tree Reports
/location/nutfield
Protected Tree Advice
/services/oak-tree-conservation
Tree Preservation Orders Explained
/tree-preservation-orders-guide
What Tree Surgery Costs
/tree-surgery-cost-guide
All Tree Surgery Services
/tree-surgery-services-sussex
Request A Survey
/contact-tree-surgeons-sussex
Questions People Ask

Before you book a survey.

Do I need a tree survey for planning permission?

If there's a tree on the site or close enough to be affected by the build, most councils want a BS5837 survey before they'll process the application. It tells them what's there, what condition it's in, and what needs protecting once work starts. Skip it and the application usually just sits there until one turns up.

How much does a tree survey cost?

Depends how many trees there are, how spread out the site is, and what the report needs to cover. One tree ahead of a driveway is a different job to a five acre plot before a planning submission. Call and describe the site, Brad will give you a straight number rather than a vague range.

Is a tree survey a legal requirement?

Not as a blanket rule. It becomes one the moment a council asks for a BS5837 report with a planning application, or a lender wants proof a tree near the property isn't a risk. Outside those situations it's optional, just sensible if you're not sure what you're looking at.

How long is a tree survey valid for?

Most are treated as current for a year or two. Trees change, storms happen, and if the site's moved on since the survey (nearby works, root disturbance, a hard winter) it's worth getting it looked at again rather than leaning on an old report.