Our Services

Local Planning Authorities have a statutory obligation to consider trees when they receive a planning application. Many will not even register an application if it doesn't have a Tree Survey, Arboricultural Impact Assessment, and Arboricultural Method Statement which follow the recommendations within the British Standard (BS5837). By engaging us at the start of your planning process we can advise you and your architect on how best to achieve a sustainable design which retains the better quality trees. We will liaise with the design and build team to provide all the supporting documents you need for the Council to consider the trees, and we can provide advice from the design stage all the way through to the discharge of conditions.

All tree owners have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure their trees pose a risk that is ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ . This applies to individual homeowners as well as larger landowners. By taking a balanced and reasonable approach to tree safety we will ensure you meet your liability. We have experience of woking with a wide spectrum of clients including amongst others, individual homeowners, private schools, holiday parks, local authorities, and government departments.

Local authorities have a statutory obligation to protect certain trees that they believe are worthy and at risk. For the tree owner this can be complicated and worrying time. We can offer advice and guidance to help steer you through the process of requesting or objecting to TPOs, advise on works the Council may approve, and we can even apply or object on your behalf.

Planning conditions often require Arboricultural Monitoring and Supervision of construction sites. This can be at regular intervals  or when particular activities occur near trees (eg. excavation, foundations installation, path/road construction etc.). We can provide a toolbox-talk service and monitoring/supervison with a written record of the visit and photographic evidence for discharge of conditions.

Alex Needs is a qualified expert witness and trained mediator. With this unique skillset within the tree industry he can help you find a resolution to your issue, whether this be through the courts or mediation. 

Ancient and veteran trees represent some of the rarest and most biodiverse habitats on the  planet. In the South East of England we are privileged to live and work near many of these trees. Management of  ancient and veteran trees needs to be carefully considered. We can assess your tree and provide you with an Individual Tree Management Plan. 

As a chartered member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters Alex Needs is able to understand your woodlands and create Woodland Management Plans to help you apply for felling licences, woodland grants, and create woodlands that work for you.

To fill the staffing gap we provide Locum Tree Officer services to help local authorities assess tree work applications, offer consultation responses to planning officers, advise on enforcement issues, support the creation of new TPOs, assess tree safety, and liaise with the public. With 12 years experience working as a tree officer (nine years as the Senior Tree Officer at Elmbridge Borough Council), Alex Needs has a proven record and has provided locum services to several borough and district councils since joining private practice.