Professional Tree Inspection (LANTRA Awards)

Professional tree inspection is about judgement, evidence, and defensible decision-making. It requires more than recognition of defects. It requires the ability to interpret significance, assess risk, and specify proportionate management responses.

This three-day LANTRA Awards course provides advanced training and assessment for experienced arboriculturists responsible for inspecting potentially hazardous trees.

Course overview

This is an advanced-level course designed for practitioners who already have experience in tree inspection and survey work. It builds on existing arboricultural knowledge and focuses on developing clear, consistent, and defensible inspection practice in complex real-world situations.

The course develops advanced visual tree inspection skills, with emphasis on understanding mechanical and biological defects, evaluating tree condition and failure potential, and making justified management recommendations. Training also considers legal context, duty of care, and the importance of accurate recording and reporting.

Learning is delivered through a structured mix of classroom sessions, site-based inspection work, and discussion of real inspection scenarios. Formal assessment is included. Successful candidates receive a LANTRA Certificate of Competence, confirming their ability to carry out professional tree inspections.

Key benefits

• Develop a structured, defensible approach to tree inspection

• Interpret defects in the context of tree biomechanics and biology

• Make proportionate management recommendations based on risk

• Improve consistency and clarity in inspection decision-making

• Strengthen professional credibility with clients, landowners, and duty holders

• Demonstrate advanced competence through recognised LANTRA certification

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Apply a systematic approach to advanced visual tree inspection

• Identify and interpret structural, biological, and mechanical defects

• Assess the significance of defects in relation to tree failure potential

• Evaluate site factors that influence risk, including targets and usage

• Specify appropriate management responses based on risk assessment

• Record inspection findings clearly and accurately

• Understand legal responsibilities and duty of care in tree inspection

• Justify inspection decisions in a professional and defensible manner

• Contribute to informed tree management planning

Who should attend

This course is suitable for:

• Experienced arboriculturists and tree inspectors

• Local authority tree officers

• Consultants and contractors responsible for tree risk management

• Those with prior tree inspection experience seeking formal certification

This is an advanced course and is not suitable for those new to tree inspection or arboriculture.