Introduction to Tree Surveying (1 Day)

Trees in public and managed spaces present both value and risk. Making sound decisions about them requires observation, structure, and an understanding of how and why trees fail.

This one-day course provides a practical introduction to tree surveying, focusing on recognising hazards, assessing risk, and making proportionate, defensible decisions.

Course overview

Tree surveying underpins safe and effective tree management. Whether in parks, estates, highways, or operational sites, those responsible for trees must be able to recognise potential hazards and respond appropriately.

This course builds a working understanding of how trees are assessed in practice, starting with core concepts such as tree biology, timber characteristics, and the mechanics of structural failure. It then moves into a structured, repeatable survey methodology that can be applied in day-to-day work.

Training focuses on identifying common defects and decay, recognising typical hazards, and understanding the level of response required. It also addresses legal responsibilities and the importance of proportionate decision-making, helping delegates understand when action is required and when escalation to a specialist is appropriate.

Key benefits

• Improve day-to-day decision-making when managing trees in public or work environments

• Identify defects, decay, and hazards at an early stage

• Apply a clear and consistent survey methodology

• Develop confidence across teams with mixed levels of experience

• Understand when to act, monitor, or escalate to a specialist

• Prepare for progression to higher-level qualifications such as LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection (PTI)

Learning outcomes

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

• Explain why trees are surveyed and describe common survey types

• Summarise legal responsibilities relating to tree ownership and inspection

• Identify common tree species using simple guides or keys

• Describe basic timber characteristics and structural features of trees

• Apply a structured, step-by-step tree survey methodology and record findings clearly

• Recognise common forms of decay and identify key decay fungi affecting stability

• Identify typical tree hazards and explain the risks they present

• Recommend proportionate management actions based on observed condition

• Recognise when specialist input is required and escalate appropriately

Who should attend

This course is suitable for:

• People who work with trees or manage outdoor environments used by staff or the public

• Estates, grounds, parks, highways, and environmental teams

• Supervisors and managers responsible for safety in outdoor settings

• Those new to tree surveying seeking a structured introduction

• Anyone considering progression to the LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection (PTI) course