For facility managers, estate directors, and property management professionals, maintaining a safe, attractive, and compliant outdoor environment is a non-negotiable responsibility. Trees, though often appreciated for their aesthetic and ecological value, come with legal, financial, and safety considerations that can become costly if not managed properly. Arboriculture, the professional management of trees, and routine tree surveys are essential tools for risk mitigation, compliance, and long-term cost control. 

The Cost of Neglect: Reactive vs Proactive Tree Maintenance 

Trees left unchecked can quickly shift from assets to liabilities. Falling branches, root damage to infrastructure, or even full tree collapse can pose significant risks to health and safety, especially in high-traffic areas such as retail parks, logistics hubs, and public walkways. Aside from personal injury claims and reputational harm, businesses face repair costs, legal penalties for non-compliance, and unplanned site disruption. 

Reactive tree maintenance, responding only when a problem becomes visible or hazardous, is an expensive approach. Emergency callouts for unsafe trees can be two to three times more costly than planned maintenance, and the need for immediate action can lead to site closures or operational delays. Furthermore, insurers increasingly require documented proof that tree-related risks have been actively managed, and failure to provide this may result in rejected claims following an incident. 

A long-term, planned approach to tree care minimises these risks, ensures consistent budget forecasting, and extends the life and value of the estate’s green infrastructure. 

What Is Arboriculture and Why It Matters 

Arboriculture refers to the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. It is not simply about aesthetics. Professional arboriculture practices are designed to ensure that trees remain structurally sound, biologically healthy, and appropriate for their environment. 

OUTCO follows Arb-approved procedures as part of its accredited approach to tree management, providing clients with reassurance that all works are delivered to industry standards, with safety, compliance, and professionalism at the forefront. 

The importance of arboriculture lies in its ability to balance human activity with natural growth. Left unmanaged, trees can damage paths, underground pipes, building foundations, or power lines. Overgrown branches can obstruct lighting and CCTV, while diseased or invasive species may spread quickly and threaten broader biodiversity. 

Professional arboriculture services, such as those offered by OUTCO, assess each tree’s health, potential risk, and suitability within its setting. This forms part of a wider strategy to maintain safe, compliant, and attractive outdoor spaces. 

Key benefits of arboriculture: 

• Reduces liability from falling branches or obstructive growth 

• Promotes tree health and longevity 

• Supports biodiversity and environmental objectives 

• Enhances the appearance and value of the estate 

• Assists with legal and planning compliance 

The Role and Value of Tree Surveys 

A tree survey is a formal inspection conducted by qualified arboriculture professionals to assess the condition, species, location, and risk profile of trees within a site. It provides a comprehensive record and forms the basis for both immediate action and long-term planning. 

Tree surveys are essential for compliance with the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 and 1984, and in some cases, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These legislations place a duty of care on landowners and managers to ensure trees do not pose a foreseeable risk to the public or employees. 

Surveys are particularly valuable for clients who own their trees and grounds outright, enabling them to make informed decisions either independently or in consultation with professional partners like OUTCO. Survey data can be used to obtain comparative quotes, assess maintenance options, or support development planning. 

Why tree surveys matter: 

• Risk Management: Identifies hazardous trees before they become a danger 

• Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrates a duty of care and supports audit trails 

• Planning Support: Required for construction or development applications in areas with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) 

• Budget Control: Enables phased and cost-effective maintenance schedules 

• Data-Led Decisions: Provides detailed insights that inform arboriculture strategies 

By integrating tree surveys into regular estate inspections and maintenance plans, businesses gain greater visibility, reduce operational risk, and enhance the predictability of their outdoor asset management. 

Why Spring is the Ideal Time for Tree Works 

Spring marks a period of renewal, not just for nature, but also for property managers looking to reinvigorate their estates after the challenges of winter. As plants come back to life and site activity increases, this is the optimum time to assess and carry out tree works as part of a broader seasonal refresh. 

After winter’s harsh conditions, trees may have sustained hidden damage, cracked limbs, frost-affected bark, or structural instability due to high winds. A spring inspection allows these issues to be identified and resolved before the busy summer months, when trees are in full leaf and access can be more challenging. 

However, spring also coincides with bird nesting season, typically spanning from March to August. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to disturb active nests, so any tree works must be planned carefully around this seasonal window. OUTCO conducts thorough ecological checks in advance of any planned activity to ensure full compliance with wildlife protection legislation. 

Why spring is a strategic window for tree maintenance: 

• Enhanced Visibility: In early spring, many trees remain leafless, offering arborists clear sight of the canopy and structure. 

• Winter Damage Assessment: Spring provides an opportunity to assess the full impact of winter storms or frost. 

• Wildlife Considerations: Early spring works allow for activity before widespread nesting begins. 

• Budget and Resource Alignment: Spring often aligns with the start of the financial year, allowing for efficient planning. 

Spring tree works can also complement wider grounds maintenance activity, such as turf care, bed planting, and hard surface cleaning. Presenting a unified, well-kept estate as footfall increases and the site moves into a peak operational season. 

Proactive Tree Management as a Strategic Asset 

In today’s climate of increasing environmental awareness, regulatory scrutiny, and operational risk, arboriculture is not just a “nice to have”, it’s a necessity. Facilities managers and property owners who take a proactive, strategic approach to tree care and surveying benefit from reduced liability, improved sustainability credentials, and more cost-effective estate management. 

With expertise in arboriculture services, Arb-accredited procedures, and extensive experience in grounds maintenance, OUTCO offers clients a trusted partner to protect, enhance, and future-proof their outdoor environments.