If you’re responsible for managing trees on a site — whether that’s a school, housing development, commercial property, or private estate — one of the most important things you can do is get a professional tree report.
A tree report is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s a detailed, professional assessment of the health, safety, and structural condition of your trees. It helps you identify risks, plan maintenance, meet your legal obligations, and make informed decisions about long-term tree management.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we work closely with an independent Manchester-based arboricultural consultant to deliver clear, compliant, and timely tree reports for clients across Manchester and Stockport. Here’s why they’re so important — and how they can help you manage your trees safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
What Is a Tree Report?
A tree report is a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified arboricultural consultant. It assesses each tree’s species, health, structure, and potential risk to people or property. The report then outlines clear, evidence-based recommendations — from routine maintenance and pruning to full removals where necessary.
There are different types of tree reports depending on your needs:
Tree condition reports – for assessing overall health, defects, and safety risks.
Tree risk assessments – focused on liability and hazard management.
BS5837 surveys – required for planning applications and developments.
Mortgage or insurance reports – for property purchases and subsidence investigations.
Whatever the type, the purpose is the same: to help you understand your trees and manage them responsibly.
1. Ensuring Tree Health and Longevity
Healthy trees are an asset to any site — but they can quickly become a liability if problems go unnoticed.
A tree report allows you to stay one step ahead. It identifies early signs of:
Disease, such as Ash Dieback, Honey Fungus, or Bleeding Canker.
Pests, including wood-boring insects or aphid infestations.
Structural weaknesses, such as cracks, cavities, or weak branch unions.
By spotting these issues early, you can take targeted action — pruning, bracing, or treatment — before problems worsen.
Preventative management not only protects the trees themselves but can also reduce long-term costs and the risk of emergency call-outs. With a good management plan in place, your trees can thrive for decades to come.
2. Managing Risk and Safety
One of the main reasons property owners and facilities managers request a tree report is safety.
Trees may look fine from the outside but can conceal hidden decay, root damage, or structural instability. A professional tree report identifies these risks before they become hazards.
Common warning signs include:
Dead or hanging branches
Fungal fruiting bodies at the base of the trunk
Cavities or cracks in major limbs
Trees leaning or shifting after heavy rain
If your tree stock is near footpaths, car parks, playgrounds, or buildings, you have a legal duty of care to ensure it’s safe. A tree report provides the professional evidence you need to demonstrate you’ve taken reasonable steps to manage those risks.
3. Legal Compliance and Liability
Under UK law, landowners, landlords, and managers have a responsibility to ensure trees on their land are maintained in a safe condition.
If a tree fails and causes injury or damage — and it’s found that no inspection or maintenance plan was in place — you could be held liable.
A formal tree report helps protect you legally. It provides:
A documented inspection record showing due diligence.
Professional recommendations for maintenance or removal.
Evidence to support insurance claims if damage occurs.
At Woodfelder, we work with a trusted Manchester-based arboricultural consultant who specialises in producing compliant, site-specific tree reports that meet current legal and industry standards.
If you manage a school, commercial site, housing development, or estate, a formal tree management plan isn’t just good practice — it’s essential.
4. Supporting Planning and Development Applications
If you’re planning any kind of construction, extension, or landscaping project, a BS5837 tree survey is likely to be a requirement from the local council.
These reports assess how your proposed works could affect nearby trees and provide recommendations for protection zones, root management, or necessary removals.
A good tree report helps:
Identify which trees can be safely retained or relocated.
Support your planning application with professional evidence.
Avoid costly delays due to incomplete or rejected submissions.
We regularly assist architects, developers, and planning consultants across Manchester and Stockport with the practical side of these reports — ensuring the work aligns with the approved tree protection plans.
5. Environmental and Sustainability Benefits
Trees play an important role in urban environments — improving air quality, supporting wildlife, and helping reduce heat and pollution.
A professional tree report helps you manage your stock in a way that protects these benefits. It ensures that:
Valuable trees are preserved where possible.
Replanting is planned if removals are required.
Long-term sustainability is built into your management plan.
By understanding the overall health and condition of your trees, you can make balanced decisions that protect both your property and the environment.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we believe in responsible arboriculture — combining safety and sustainability in everything we do.
6. Financial and Operational Benefits
Getting a tree report isn’t just about compliance — it’s also good financial sense.
A professional inspection can:
Prevent expensive damage to property caused by falling branches or roots.
Avoid emergency call-outs and unplanned removals.
Provide a structured plan for maintenance and budgeting.
For commercial clients, it also supports planned maintenance cycles, allowing you to allocate budgets effectively rather than reacting to problems as they arise.
Properly managed trees can also increase property value, enhance kerb appeal, and reduce liability risks.
7. Why Work with Woodfelder Tree Care?
We work with schools, housing associations, property managers, and private clients across Manchester and Stockport — delivering safe, compliant, and professional tree management.
When you book a tree report through us, you’ll get:
✅ An inspection by a qualified, independent arboricultural consultant.
✅ Clear, jargon-free recommendations.
✅ A plan of action for pruning, monitoring, or removals.
✅ Full RAMS, insurance documentation, and aftercare support if works are needed.
We’ll help you interpret the report, prioritise the findings, and carry out any necessary work safely and efficiently.
Whether it’s a single ash tree showing signs of dieback or a large portfolio of trees across multiple sites, we’ll make the process simple and stress-free.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment in Safety and Sustainability
A professional tree report is one of the most valuable tools in responsible tree management. It helps you:
Maintain healthy, long-lived trees.
Keep people and property safe.
Stay compliant with your legal duties.
Manage your stock sustainably and cost-effectively.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we believe every landowner, facilities manager, and property professional should have access to clear, reliable information about their trees.
If you need a tree report in Manchester or Stockport, we’ll organise the inspection, handle the paperwork, and guide you through the next steps.
📞 Call us on 0161 327 3011 or visit woodfeldertreecare.co.uk to arrange your assessment.
Professional, transparent, and always reliable — that’s how we do things at Woodfelder Tree Care.