Tree consultancy

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) is required if your business or organisation employees use lifting equipment, whether owned by them or not. In arboriculture this includes climbing or lowering/rigging equipment to undertake 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 and rigging equipment require LOLER inspections every 12 months unless there has 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 know the need for this service will likely grow due to the aim to double the amount of utility powerlines by 2050.

To assess the structural integrity of the tree including inspections of the root structure, any physiological or structural defects, and defects caused by pests and disease disorders. The data is obtained from a visual tree assessment (VTA) from ground level and when needed, aerial inspects and detailed inspections by specialist equipment such as Resistographs and Picus test.

An arboricultural method statement can be needed to provide guidance during development projects. This includes all stages of the work which complies with a BS5837 (2012) survey.

Trees can be the source of a range of disputes that get referred to solicitors for a final decision. An expert opinion on arboricultural matters can help resolve such disputes. Mitchell Hicken can offer arboriculture expert witness in both civil and criminal cases dealing with, but not exlcusing:

• 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

• Road side surveys

• Trees in relation to build structures

• Pest and disease prevention and treatment

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

• Veteran and ancient tree management.