What Does a Tree Condition Report Include? (UK Guide)

Searching for a tree condition or tree inspection report and wondering why do I need a tree condition report? Below I break down exactly what our tree survey report (aka arboriculture report / arborist report) contains, why each section matters, and how to use it to plan safe, lawful, and proportionate tree work. I’ve also added authoritative links throughout so you (and your insurer, lender, or local authority) can check the source material.

Why do I need a tree condition report?

A professional tree condition report helps you demonstrate a sensible, proportionate approach to tree risk and statutory compliance. In the UK, landowners and managers are expected to manage risks from trees reasonably—neither ignoring hazards nor over-reacting with unnecessary felling. The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) and the HSE set the tone for this balanced approach. cdn.forestresearch.gov.ukHSE

If your trees are protected (TPO/Conservation Area), or if bats or nesting birds could be present, a documented assessment is often essential before any work proceeds. GOV.UK+2GOV.UK+2

What a good tree survey report includes (our standard structure)

1) Survey Methodology

• Scope & limits (which trees/areas inspected; what couldn’t be seen).
• Level of inspection (e.g., ISA’s Basic/Level 2 visual assessment) and when advanced tools are justified.
• Data fields captured (species, dimensions, condition, defects, targets, recommendations).
• Tree IDs & mapping to tie everything to plans and photos.

Why it matters: methodology shows how conclusions were reached and when further investigation is warranted. For transparency we align with ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) framework and documentation conventions (e.g., Basic/Level 2 form). isa-arbor.comISA Arbor+1

2) Tree Survey Summary (Executive Summary)

A one-page overview of overall tree condition, key risks, and priority actions by timescale. This helps duty-holders act proportionately, in line with NTSG/HSE principles on managing risk. cdn.forestresearch.gov.ukHSE

3) Site Survey Location

Clear address, plan, and access notes for contractors and supervising officers, plus a plan showing Tree IDs. Where development is involved, we cross-reference BS 5837 to ensure trees are considered correctly in design and construction. BSI Knowledge

4) Work Schedule of Trees

Your actionable list: for each Tree ID we specify works, objective, priority, timing constraints (e.g., wildlife checks), and review interval—written to BS 3998 good practice so contractors know exactly what “good” looks like. West Berkshire Council

5) Recommendations Summary

A grouped list by urgency:

• Immediate (risk reduction now),
• Short-term (schedule),
• Planned management (formative pruning, training, phased works),
• Monitoring (re-inspect after storms / within set intervals).

This mirrors sensible, proportionate risk control: reduce risk to a tolerable level; don’t default to removal if pruning, target management, or monitoring achieves the aim. cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk

6) Tree Survey Risk Report

We explain the risk reasoning behind each recommendation using TRAQ terminology (targets/occupancy; likelihood of failure/impact; consequences). Your report states the overall rating (Low/Moderate/High/Extreme) and the specific mitigation chosen. isa-arbor.comISA Arbor

7) Site Photos

Context photos (showing targets), diagnostic images (defects), and—on re-inspection—“after” photos to evidence quality and compliance. Good photo records reduce disputes and make contractors’ pricing clearer. (TRAQ materials also emphasise consistent record-keeping.) ISA Arbor

8) Implementation of Works

How to translate prescriptions into practice:

• Competence & quality (qualified arborists; clear pruning specs per BS 3998).
• Protection of soil and roots during access; on development sites, follow BS 5837 (RPAs, fencing, ground protection).
• Biosecurity (clean tools, boots, and machinery to avoid spreading pests/diseases). West Berkshire CouncilBSI KnowledgeGOV.UK

Statutory Wildlife Obligations

Works must respect protected species:

• Bats: potential roost features (PRFs), when to survey, and when a licence may be needed.
• Breeding birds: timing and pre-works checks.
  Standing advice and BCT guidance explain what authorities expect and what competent arborists check. GOV.UK+1Bat Conservation Trust

Trees Subject to Statutory Controls

We identify TPOs and Conservation Area constraints and set out application/notification steps and timescales (typically 8 weeks for TPO consent; 6 weeks’ notice in conservation areas). GOV.UKplanningportal.co.uk

Disclaimers

Clear limits (visual, time-bound snapshot; hidden defects possible) and the level of assessment provided (e.g., Basic/Level 2) keep reliance appropriate and flag when advanced investigation is needed. ISA Arbor

Appendices 

Appendix 1 – Work Schedule of Trees
A print-ready version contractors can price from; specs reference BS 3998 for pruning quality and end-states. trees.org.uk

Appendix 2 – Tree Risk vs Tree Management (Best Practice)
Sets out the mitigation hierarchy—retain & prune → manage targets → prop/cable → remove—reflecting NTSG’s proportionate approach to public safety. cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk

Appendix 3 – Reasons for Survey & Works Listed
States the instruction (insurance, mortgage, development, neighbour issues) so the level of detail and intervention threshold fits your purpose. (For construction, align with BS 5837.) BSI Knowledge

Appendix 4 – Bibliography
Key sources we draw on (examples linked throughout this article): NTSG guidance, HSE risk pages, BS 3998, BS 5837, ISA TRAQ materials, Bat Conservation Trust, and GOV.UK wildlife/TPO guidance. cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk HSEWest Berkshire Council BSI Knowledge isa-arbor.com Bat Conservation Trust GOV.UK

Appendix 5 – TRAQ Risk Categorisation (Glossary & Methodology)
Plain-English overview of how TRAQ categories are derived, with worked examples and re-inspection intervals guidance. ISA Arbor

Appendix 6 – Tree Survey Full Report
The full, tree-by-tree dataset: measurements, condition notes, targets, photos, and rationale—your audit trail.

Planning & wildlife:

• TPO consent: allow up to ~8 weeks once your application is validated; Conservation Area works usually require 6 weeks’ notice. planningportal.co.uk
• Bats are legally protected; damaging or disturbing roosts may need a licence if impacts can’t be avoided. Standing advice explains triggers for surveys. GOV.UK+1
• Pruning quality: BS 3998 explains correct cut positions and end-state-focused specifications contractors should follow. trees.org.uk
• Biosecurity: clean tools/boots and manage arisings to reduce pest/disease spread; see Forestry Commission guidance and industry notes. GOV.UKtrees.org.uk

FAQs (with sources)

Is removal always required for a “High” risk rating?
Not always. Sometimes you can reduce risk to a tolerable level by pruning, managing targets, or monitoring—this is the NTSG/HSE approach to sensible, proportionate risk control. cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk HSE

What standards guide pruning and site protection?
Pruning: BS 3998. Development/site protection: BS 5837 for barriers, RPAs, and ground protection. West Berkshire CouncilBSI Knowledge

Who’s qualified to produce an arboriculture report?
Look for ISA TRAQ-qualified and/or Arboricultural Association Registered/Approved professionals. Use the AA and ISA directories to find a tree condition survey near me. trees.org.uk+1treesaregood.org

How often should trees be re-inspected?
Depends on species, defects, and target occupancy. Your report will specify intervals; the NTSG framework supports proportionate, site-specific cycles. cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk

Need a tree condition survey near me?

• Find a Approved Contractor (Arboricultural Association). trees.org.uk+1
• Find an ISA-credentialed arborist (TreesAreGood directory). treesaregood.org

Extra reading (authoritative)

• TPOs & Conservation Areas: GOV.UK guidance and Planning Portal timelines. GOV.UKplanningportal.co.uk
• Bats & tree work: Natural England standing advice; Bat Conservation Trust on roosts in trees. GOV.UKBat Conservation Trust
• Risk management: NTSG Common Sense Risk Management of Trees (full/summary). ntsgroup.org.ukcdn.forestresearch.gov.uk
• Standards: BS 3998 (tree work) and BS 5837 (trees and construction). West Berkshire CouncilBSI Knowledge
• Biosecurity: Forestry Commission practical guidance and blog. GOV.UKForestry Commission Blog

Final word

Whether you call it a tree condition report, tree survey report, tree inspection report, or arborist report, the goal is the same: clear, defensible advice that balances safety, amenity, ecology, and cost—grounded in recognised UK standards and guidance. If you’d like this structure applied to your site, I can prepare a tailored arboriculture report and help with any consent applications.