Consultancy Services

How we can help

Reports

Arboricultural Reports can be carried out for many reasons; new developments, tree stock management, concern for individual trees and so on. Gristwood & Toms work for all types of clients, from individual homeowners with single trees to large corporations and Local Authorities responsible for whole tree populations. We are experienced in compiling complex and detailed reports for tree health and condition, site development surveys (in accordance with BS5837 Trees in Construction 2005) and large-scale reports covering whole districts. We can also design management proposals to fit with clients’ budgets and to promote the health of their trees.

Surveys

Tree surveys can be supplied in various formats ranging from a simple spread sheet, containing as much information as a client requires, to digitally plotted maps in an electronic format that can be updated by the client. The company have a team of experienced surveyors who use the latest in digital hardware and software to ensure accuracy. Working closely with professional land surveyors, we are able to integrate large-scale topographical surveys with up to date tree survey data. We also have the in-house facility to print full size A0 paper maps and work with AutoCAD.

Visual Tree Assessment

As a company we are committed to Continual Professional Development (CPD) and our surveyors and estimators regularly attend seminars and training courses to learn the latest techniques and methods in Visual Tree Assessment (VTA). From here we can, where necessary, carry out more detailed tree inspections using ultra-sound technology (see under Decay Investigation). We offer indemnified advice and recommendations to good arboricultural practices.

Wildlife Habitat Assessment

Gristwood & Toms work in partnership with highly qualified and very experienced Environmental Consultants thereby ensuring a proactive approach to the protection and enhancement of all wildlife and their potential habitat, including all designated European Protected Species. At our company headquarters (an 18 acre site in Hertfordshire) we have invested significantly, harnessing expertise from many sources, to create a woodland planting scheme with many wildlife habitats, including a very successful, and expanding, apiary. This allows us to research wildlife behaviour in different tree species and conditions.

Root Mapping

As a policy, the company keeps abreast of technological advances within the industry. A recent addition to our armoury is Ground Penetrating Radar. This equipment is used to locate, with pinpoint accuracy, and site plot underground tree roots, without the need for extensive, costly and potentially damaging excavation. This can assist architects and developers with the design of suitable construction systems, enabling the retention of mature trees in harmony with all types of development.

Decay Investigation

This is carried out using proven techniques. By starting with a Visual Tree Assessment our surveyors are able to predict potential areas of decay within a tree’s structure. We then follow a process of investigation from mallet sounding through ultra-sound testing, micro drilling, to the extraction and stress testing of core samples. Through the collation of this evidence we can confidently recommend the retention of trees that may have been needlessly removed. In this way we are able to make a quantified judgement on the future management of decayed trees.