Tree health and risk assessment for development
Our consultant Zahra led a field investigation with a team of ecologists to collect data for a formal Arboricultural Impact Assessment.
Field investigation
The team catalogued tree species and assessed their overall health, recording:
- tree height and trunk circumference
- canopy radius and estimated root system spread
- overall health and stability.
These data were used to define protection zones for each tree within the potential impact area of the proposed development.
Analysis and mitigation
Back in the office, the team used the field data to define Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and approximate the extent of each tree's Root Protection Area (RPA).
Our consultant used technical software to produce maps of these zones. The maps show the spatial constraints for designing and carrying out construction near protected trees.
The research also allowed the team to:
- assess the stability of each tree after proposed pruning or ground disturbance
- identify existing risks to avoid
- recommend measures during construction and excavation to reduce damage to root systems.
Outcome
The tree health and risk evaluation gave the client advice and practical strategies to reduce impacts on trees within the construction footprint, along with documentation to support the planning application process.
If your construction project is near protected or valued trees, contact Trace Enterprises about an Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Protection Plan.
