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Professional Tree Inspection

31/10/2017

Brandon, Suffolk


TR:PTI-171031-EA


Simon Cox


19 hours


Fully Booked


3 days ( Day 1 and 2 from 9.00 - 17.30 approximately, Day 3 from 9.00-16.30) 


Exc. VAT Inc. VAT

Course Objectives:

 

To enable course members to: 

  • Recognise the role of the tree inspector in risk management.
  • Identify the legal framework in the context of statute and common law that affect tree inspection and the duties and liabilities of the owner, manager and inspector.
  • Summarise how a tree system functions, what constitutes a safe tree and know that energy is required to keep the tree in a healthy/safe state.
  • Adopt a systematic and consistent methodology for carrying out visual tree inspection at an advanced level with the aid of binoculars, mallet and probe.
  • Collect data out in the field in accordance with the inspection instructions (having determined the scope and limitations) using a suitable format. (For this course a written survey template with appropriate headings will be used).
  • Recognise a range of observable mechanical and biological defects as seen in trees and confirm by the use of textbooks where necessary.
  • Identify a range of commonly seen pests, diseases and disorders that affect tree safety, confirm their identity by the use of textbooks, where necessary, and state the arboricultural significance of finding them in the field.
  • State the appropriate control/remedial measures required to eliminate or reduce risks identified in the inspection process to an acceptable level.
  • Determine when an aerial inspection is required, also if pro-active management recommendations can be made which may eliminate future defects from forming.
  • Prioritise the necessary tree/management works with time scales based on a broad category of risk assessment.
  • Identify when it is appropriate to recommend the use of decay detecting or measuring equipment, based on a basic knowledge of the working principles of commonly available equipment.
  • Understand that the balance, between the remedial measure opted for and the range of benefits/values that a tree may have, requires special attention, e.g. amenity, wildlife, historical, veteran, rarity and public access.

Course Content:

Course Content: 

  • Introduction
  • The legal framework
  • The tree:
    • As a dynamic living system
    • An undamaged, self-optimized structure
    • The law of the minimal lever arm and strategy of flexibility
  • Visual Tree Assessment (VTA)
  • Principle fungal decay organisms
  • Mechanical symptoms of defects
  • Tree inspection equipment
  • Making and writing management recommendations
  • Practical exercises
  • Workshop sessions
  • Hazard evaluation
  • VTA tree walk
  • Introduction to decay detection and measuring equipment
  • Assessment
  • Final round up

Facilities/Equipment required - Trainees: 

  • Trainees should bring with them outdoor clothing, including a ‘Hi-viz’ jacket or waistcoat, as there will be a number of practical tree inspection exercises over the three days.
  • They should also bring any other equipment that they would normally use during tree inspection / survey, e.g: Clipboard, Pro-forma record sheets, Binoculars, Mallet and probe, Diameter tape, Height measuring device (Hypsometer, clinometer, etc).

Trainees are expected to bring the following ‘key books’ to the course: 

  • Lonsdale, D. (1999). Principles of Tree Hazard Assessment and Management, Research for Amenity Trees No, 7, Stationery Office, London.
  • Mattheck, C. & Breloer, H. (1994). The Body Language of Trees, Research for Amenity Trees No, 4, Stationery Office, London.
  • Strouts, R.G. & Winter, T.G. (1994). Diagnosis of Ill Health in Trees, Research for Amenity Trees No, 2, Stationery Office, London.
  • Davis, C., Fay, N & Mynors, C. (2000). Veteran Trees: a guide to risk and responsibility. English Nature, Peterborough.
  • Shigo, A.L. (1991). Modern Arboriculture. Shigo & Tree Associates, Durham, NH, USA.
  • Weber, K., & Mattheck, C. (2003). Manual of Wood Decay in Trees, The Arboricultural Association.
  • BS 3998:2010 Tree work - Recommendations. British Standards Institute, London.
  • Tree identification book(s)
  • Fungi identification book(s)

Publications included in package:  

  • Lantra Awards workbook for Professional Tree Inspection
  • Arboricultural Association publication: ‘Tree surveys: a guide to good practice’
  • Assessment forms and examination papers
  • Site specific risk assessment form
  • Certificate claim forms
  • Course evaluation forms

The course will include some outdoor practical sessions (please bring suitable clothing for indoor and outdoor sessions). Refreshments and lunch are provided.

Module Pre-requisites:

A minimum of arboricultural qualification at level three or equivalent, plus five years experience in carrying out tree survey and inspection, is expected.

Terms of Cancellation or Amendments to details

  • We reserve the right to cancel courses and refund applicants if there is insufficient demand.
  • A FULL charge will be applied to any booking cancelled less than 10 working days before the event.
  • A £30 administration charge may be applied to changes made to bookings that have been received and acknowledged.

For all course bookings outside the UK and Europe, please email training@trees.org.uk