TreeSurgery.com

Tree surveyors or consultants give professional advice on the health/safety of the trees that you as the client might be worried about.  Your trees may show signs of canopy die back or they may have fungal growth or they may just be close to a building and you are worried about them for insurance purposes.  Tree surveyors can give you a detailed report.

Tree surveyors can also be used as an expert witness in court.

Tree surveyors can investigate accidents caused by tree failure.

They are required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance for at least £500,000.

Tree Diseases

I could go on for ages about tree diseases and below are a few books that one can buy on the subject but I will give some case examples.

Dutch Elm Disease

Elm trees up until the 1960's formed a beautiful part of our landscape but then a virulent micro-fungi called Ophiostma novo-ulmi wiped out millions of stunning elm trees.  It was spread by the Scolytus beatles.

Most large Elm trees have been felled now and it is becoming an increasingly rare and sought after timber.  However, in the 70's and 80's one could not get rid of it for love nor money - there was so much of it!!

Meripilus giganteus

Beech Tree Disease

A common cause of the death or sudden breaking and shedding of huge limbs in a beech tree is this giant fruiting polypore fungus.  The fungus destroys deep roots in a tree and can leave the shallower roots intact making the whole tree worryingly unstable.  If close to a house, it is strongly recommended to remove the tree if the fungus is extensive.  It is worth employing a tree surveyor to assess the risk the fungus poses to the tree.

Ganoderma adspersum

Oak Tree Disease

This is a root and butt rot fungus which weakens the base of a tree and can cause it to suddenly topple over

Books on Tree Diseases