Negative Recording
A ‘Walk-over’ or ‘negative recording survey’ can be used on suitable sites. This type of survey involves a non-invasive visual inspection of all the trees within the site, including any potential overhanging third-party trees. However, rather than a full tree stock inventory being produced, only those which pose a risk or requiring management are formally recorded and reported. This approach can be suitable as it is cost-effective for sites with a lower budget however still ensures that risks within the tree stock are identified. It is also suitable to sites with limited or no public access or those with fewer assets to manage.
One of our clients required took this approach as the area as the site was located on the Jubilee River. One side had large public presence of walkers and cyclists where trees posed a risk. The other side was overgrown to prevent access to members of the public.
Due to the many trees on site and areas having minimal public access, a negative recording survey was carried out on one side of the river. All trees were expected but only trees that posed a risk were recorded. This allowed for the client to be informed of those trees within their boundaries which pose a risk to be managed whilst also ensuring the duty of care was met for the landowner.