Who Needs a Tree Risk Assessment

Enviro Trees UK carries out risk assessments for:

Homeowners with mature trees in their garden.
Landlords managing rental properties with trees on the land.
Businesses with trees on or near commercial premises, car parks or public-facing areas.
Schools, churches and community sites managing trees in publicly accessible spaces.

If the public, tenants, staff or neighbours can be hit by a falling branch from your tree, you have a duty of care.

Qualified arborist working in a mature tree during a risk assessment in South Yorkshire

Why It Matters

The Cost of Not Having A Tree Survey

A formal tree condition record is the simplest piece of evidence that you have met your duty of care. The consequences of not having one go beyond a fallen branch.

UK Deaths & Injuries Each Year

Around six people are killed and roughly 55 seriously injured every year in the UK by falling trees and branches. The vast majority of incidents are preventable with proactive inspection.

Criminal Liability

Businesses and landlords can face proceedings under the Health & Safety at Work Act if a tree on their land injures someone and no inspection regime is in place. Substantial fines have been imposed in past cases.

Insurance Claims Refused

Damage caused by a poorly maintained tree can be excluded from buildings and public liability policies, leaving owners exposed to repair and legal costs.

Duty of Care

UK property owners owe a duty of care to keep trees on their land in a state that does not pose a foreseeable danger. A documented assessment is the simplest evidence the duty has been met.

Council Compliance

Some local authorities require regular tree inspection records for properties they manage or oversee. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action.

Cost of Reaction

Emergency tree work after a partial failure is materially more expensive than the planned remedial work a routine inspection identifies. Regular assessment saves money in the long run.

What Does A Tree Risk Assessment Include?

A standard tree risk assessment in South Yorkshire includes:

A walk-round inspection of every tree on the site.
Identification of species and approximate age.
Assessment of structural condition, decay and stability.
Evaluation of the target zone - what or who could be hit.
A risk rating using the traffic-light VALID system or QTRA framework.
Recommended actions - monitoring, pruning or removal where needed.
A written report you can keep on file as evidence.

Reports follow recognised industry frameworks, so they hold up with insurers and, if needed, in court.

Sample Enviro Trees UK tree condition report - what the customer receives

View Sample Report (PDF) →

Tree Inspections After Storm Damage

High winds and heavy rain can leave trees in a compromised state, sometimes obviously, sometimes not. Common storm-related defects we look for include:

Cracked or split limbs that could fail in the next gust.
Partial root failure showing as soil heave or lifted ground around the base.
Leaning stems where the tree has shifted but not fully come down.
Hanging branches caught in the canopy and waiting to drop.

If you've had a storm pass through your area, an inspection within a few days can catch problems before they become incidents. Call 0114 419 0407 to book a priority visit.

Close-up of mature tree bark inspected for storm damage as part of an Enviro Trees UK risk assessment

How Often You Should Re-Inspect

For most properties in South Yorkshire, an inspection every 1–3 years is enough. High-target sites like schools, busy car parks and areas next to footpaths may need annual checks. After major storms, a fresh inspection is always worth it.