Risk Assessment
For a program of tree inspections to be manageable, resources need to be directed to areas where there is potentially most risk. Risk will be categorised depending on usage of land and proximity of people and/or property. Each area will be assigned a zone category which is determined by a site risk assessment.
These categories reflect high, medium and low risk and will be kept under review. Permanent and temporary changes may result in a change to the level of risk and consequently the zone categorisation.
The frequency and method of inspection reflects the risk category/zone categorisation. The frequency within a risk zone is in line with national standards and best practice employed by other organisations in accordance with the HSE endorsed NTSG (National Tree Safety Group) document 'Common sense risk management of trees'.
Assessment criteria
The assessment of risk categories is a matter of informed judgement and will be reviewed if circumstances change or where otherwise appropriate.
Trees will be placed within zones as specified in the following inspection schedule:
| Risk category | Typical features | Inspection frequency |
|---|---|---|
| High risk | Trees close to main public areas, buildings (this will include some shelter belts, church yards and woodland edges), heavily trafficked roads, car parks, busy/frequently used foot paths, rail lines, picnic areas, play and recreational areas. | Every 15 months to ensure inspections are carried out at different times of the year. |
| Medium risk | Other roads, footpaths and bridleways in regular but not intensive public use, quieter areas of parks and open spaces | Every 3 years (some trees will be informally checked more frequently by council staff who work close to or around trees on a day to day basis. They will report any concerns to the tree officer. |
| Low risk | Land away from paths or only lightly used. | Every 5 years, however trees within areas such as woodland where no access or usage is present will not be formally inspected. |