Martin Dobson Associates are specialists in subsidence investigations where trees are suspected of causing damage to buildings through shrinkage drying of clay soils below foundations through the action of tree roots.

Trees are usually safe structures. But occasionally they can cause damage or injury as a result of a branch breaking or the tree uprooting due to the development of various infections or structural weaknesses – which tend to become more pronounced with increasing age. In many cases hazards can be readily identified in advance of a tree suffering a failure. Tree owners owe a duty of care to people who may be affected by a hazardous tree but often don’t know what features to look for.

We provide BS5837:2012 tree survey reports and arboricultural method statements to accompany planning applications in situations where trees are located near to a proposed development.

Tree preservation orders are made to prevent the unnecessary loss of public amenity afforded by trees. However, sometimes work to trees becomes necessary due to issues of safety, shading etc. In these circumstances applications can be made to the local authority for appropriate tree work.