Tree consultancy

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, known as LOLER, apply if your business or organisation uses lifting equipment, whether owned by you or not. In arboriculture, this includes climbing, lowering and rigging equipment used for tree felling or related works.

It is to ensure your safety, the safety of your staff and others, to comply with your legal requirements under LOLER, and to comply with industry standard good practice.

Climbing equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and accessories require LOLER inspections every 6 months. Rigging equipment requires LOLER inspections every 12 months, unless there have been any exceptional circumstances.

We offer thorough examination of arboriculture equipment to meet LOLER requirements. Our experienced team are qualified to level 3 certificate of competence and can test, inspect, and certify your PPE and equipment.

Read more information on LOLER (1998) Regulation.

Utility surveying is the inspection and assessment of overhead powerlines before any tree work commences. We can undertake this for any individual, business, or commercial purpose.

Our team are fully qualified and highly skilled in this field. We understand the growing importance of safe utility arboriculture as demand on the power network continues to increase (likely to double the amount of utility powerlines by 2050).

We assess the structural integrity of trees, including the root structure, physiological or structural defects, and defects caused by pests and disease disorders.

Data is obtained through a visual tree assessment (VTA) from ground level. Where required, this can include aerial inspections and detailed inspections using specialist equipment such as Resistograph and PiCUS testing.

An arboricultural method statement can be needed to provide guidance during development projects. This includes all stages of the work which supports a BS 5837:2012 survey.

Trees can be the source of a range of disputes that may be referred to solicitors for a final decision. An expert opinion on arboricultural matters can help resolve such disputes. Mitchell Hicken can provide arboricultural expert witness services in both civil and criminal cases, including, but not limited to:

• Property damage as a result of tree root activity.

• Compensation following damage to trees (civil and criminal).

• Valuation of amenity trees.

• Personal and property injury including fatalities from both tree and branch failure and disruption to patios, walls and footpaths.

• Planning applications and appeals.

• Tree Preservation Order applications and appeals.

• Tree Preservation Order prosecutions and defences (i.e. criminal court).

• Trading Standards prosecutions & defences (i.e. criminal court).

• Professional Standards and Indemnity Claims.

• Giving evidence in the Coroner's Court.

We also provide the following tree services:

• Tree surgery services

• Roadside surveys

• Trees in relation to buildings and structures

• Pest and disease prevention and treatment

• Dealing with weak forks, inclusions and co-dominant stems

• Veteran and ancient tree management.