Case Study: Ford & Etal Estate
Client: Ford & Etal Estate
Location: Berwick upon tweed
Date: November 2024
Service: Road & Path Side
Tree Safety Survey
System Used: QTRA
Overview
Redeswood Tree Surveying was Instructed by Ford & Etal Estate to carry out a detailed tree safety survey covering all road and path networks across the estate. With a diverse landscape of mature woodland, visitor routes and rural infrastructure, the estate required a clear and structured understanding of tree-related risks to support safe access and longer-term tree planning. This was carried out by our head surveyor Charlotte Morton, while completing the survey charlotte assessed a range of trees across the estate checking them for the key characteristics mentioned later in the study, recording the trees with defects within the report.
Methodology
This survey was completed over 4 days in total.
- Systematic walk-through inspections along all designated road and path networks.
- Trees data recorded- Approximate height, diameter (DBH), location, species, age, tree work recommendation, risk scale.
- When a tree is assessed a QTRA rating is applied.
- A final tree report produced with all the findings and tree plans.
- All data compiled into a structured table for easy reference by estate staff.
Assessment Criteria
The trees were assessed for:
- The presence of significant defects (structural weaknesses, decay, cavities, cracks)
- Dead or in terminal decline.
- Significant deadwood requiring removal
- The likelihood of failure based on condition and structural integrity
- The level of the potential target, and the frequency of use of the target.
Outcome/Impact
Using the QTRA method to survey trees translates the tree condition into a measurable (and quantified) risk, which helps to give greater clarity on:
- The probability of failure
- The level of the hazard
- The priority of intervention (at what point you carry out tree surgery works)
This then enables a more proactive approach to the longer term managment by providing information for:
- Longer term operational planning
- Cost efficiency and budget planning
The final survey creates a solid foundation for ongoing tree management, clearly identifying priority areas for action allowing the estate to plan maintenance works more efficiently, streamlining operations and reducing the need for reactive responses.
If you would loike to learn more about how this approach could help you, then please get in touch.
