Tree Management

Trees offer considerable benefits to the environment and can provide a wonderful resource for teaching and learning. However, with all trees there is an element of risk. You may be aware of the incident in June 2007 at Felbrigg Hall, where a child was killed. It is, therefore, essential to undertake regular tree inspections and maintenance to manage this risk effectively. You may not be aware that the co-ordination of this is the responsibility of each head of establishment.

Tree work does not form part of the standard grounds maintenance contract, so it is imperative that each establishment puts in place appropriate measures.

There are three recommended ways to do this:

	Train a member of staff to carry out initial surveys to tree inspection Level One standard. Professional support can then be obtained as required. See the Opportunities for Professional Learning and Development site for details of courses now available.
	Employ the services of the Grounds Advisory Service and extend the advisory contract to include annual tree inspections and advice on tree maintenance work.
	Employ the services of a competent contractor to carry out tree inspections and provide advice on tree maintenance work. Management of contracts and contractors guidance must be used in this situation with contractors drawn from the lists of Arboricultural Consultants and Contractors approved by the Arboricultural Association.

The NCS Grounds Advisory Service are happy to assist with any tree issues and are able to organise tree work on your behalf including liaising with District Council tree officers to seek permission, obtaining quotations, and overseeing any necessary work.

Establishments that choose to undertake their own tree works should ensure they follow the same standards and procedures as the Grounds Advisory Service.

The Grounds Advisory Service holds a limited budget for Emergency Tree Work and there are strict guidelines in place as to what is covered by this fund. Please see our web site for more information.

NCS are also very experienced with tree selection and planting and are able to assist your decision making when planting new trees to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right place to avoid future maintenance issues.

For more information please contact the Grounds Advisory Service on 01603 406820 or visit the following website.