Tree condition and risk
A structured look at a tree's defects and the likelihood of failure, with the work recommended and how urgent it is. For homeowners, landlords, estates and public sites.
Tree consultancy and tree surveys
Not sure if a tree is safe, what it needs, or whether it will cause problems with a house purchase or a planning application? Our arborists look properly, explain it plainly and put it in writing.
Next free quote visits, live from our diary
Free visits Monday to Thursday and Saturdays.
- 5.0 on Google, 50+ reviews
- NPTC, City & Guilds & Lantra
- £5M insured
Tree consultancy in short
A tree assessment is a visual inspection of a tree's roots, base, stem and crown by a qualified arborist, to judge its health and how likely it is to fail. Clearcut carries out free on-site assessments when you book a visit, and written reports where you need evidence: for an insurer, a mortgage lender, a planning application, a landlord's records or a dispute with a neighbour.
- Free assessment
- Booked online like a quote visit, with advice on the spot
- Written reports
- Tree condition and risk, pre-purchase, insurance, subsidence and planning (BS5837)
- Who for
- Homeowners, buyers, landlords, estates, schools, developers and councils
- Signs to act on
- Fungus, cracks, a new lean, dead branches, thin leaves, lifting roots
- Area
- All of Dorset, all of Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire
Assessments and reports
Pre-purchase tree surveys
Before you exchange, find out what the trees near the house will need, whether any are protected, and whether they could affect the building.
Insurance and storm reports
Written evidence after storm damage or a fallen tree, with photographs, to support a claim.
Subsidence and roots
On shrinkable clay, thirsty trees close to a house can contribute to subsidence. We identify the trees and species involved and what can be done.
Planning: BS5837 surveys
A tree survey to British Standard BS5837 for planning applications on sites with trees, including root protection areas.
TPO and neighbour disputes
Clear, written opinion on protected trees, applications and disputes about overhanging trees and boundaries.
When to get a tree looked at
Most tree failures give warnings first. These are the ones to look out for.
Fungus growing on the trunk or around the base, especially bracket fungi or clusters of mushrooms, can mean decay inside. See our guide to bracket fungi.
Cracks and splits in the trunk or where big limbs join, or a branch union shaped like a tight V with bark trapped inside it.
A new lean, or soil cracking and lifting on one side of the base after wind. A tree that has always leant is less of a worry than one that has just started.
Dead branches, thin leaves or a bare top in summer, and early leaf fall. These can point to root damage or disease such as ash dieback.
Lifting roots under drives and paving, or building works within the spread of the tree.
If you see one of these, book a free tree assessment. If the tree looks like it could fall now, call our 24-hour emergency line.
Tree survey questions
Anything not covered here? Ask us and we'll give you a straight answer.
How much does a tree assessment cost?
A visual assessment on a free quote visit costs nothing. Written reports are priced by the job, depending on how many trees and what the report is for. We tell you the cost before we start.
Do I need a tree survey to buy a house?
It isn't required, but it is sensible if there are large trees close to the house, especially on clay soil. A pre-purchase survey tells you what work is coming, whether trees are protected and any risk to the building.
What is a BS5837 tree survey?
A survey of the trees on and next to a development site, to the British Standard used by planning authorities. It records their condition and root protection areas so the design can keep the trees worth keeping. Many planning applications need one.
Can a tree cause subsidence?
On shrinkable clay soils, trees that take up a lot of water, such as oak, willow and poplar, can dry the ground under shallow foundations. Sandy soils, common in Bournemouth and Poole, are far less affected. We assess the trees and species involved.
My tree has fungus at the base. Is it dangerous?
Not always, but it can mean decay in the roots or trunk. Some fungi are harmless, others are serious. Book an assessment and we'll tell you which.
Do we cover you?
Based in Ferndown, covering all of Dorset, all of Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire.
Check your postcode
Five stars, every time
What customers across Dorset and Hampshire say after the job is done.
5.0
50+ Google reviews
Tree down? Call now.
Storm damage, fallen trees and dangerous limbs. Fast response across Dorset and Hampshire, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Book your free quote visit
Choose the job, pick a time from our live diary and tell us where. No payment and no obligation.
- You pick a timeOnline, in about a minute. Visits run Monday to Thursday and Saturdays.
- We visit and look properlyA qualified arborist checks the trees, the access and whether any consent is needed.
- You get a written quoteA clear, fixed price with no hidden costs. The price quoted is the price you pay.
- NPTC
- City & Guilds
- Lantra
- £5M insured
- BS3998
Want to ask something first? Send us a message and we reply within 24 hours.
Contact usTree down or dangerous? Call 01202 022560, 24 hours a day.
Book a free quote visit
Free No obligation About a minute
- 1The job
- 2Day and time
- 3Your details
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Type of work tick all that apply
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We've got your quote visit down and we'll see you then. A member of the team will be in touch if we need anything before the visit.
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Need to rearrange? Call 01202 022560.
Fallen tree, storm damage or a dangerous limb over a road, roof or power line? Don't book a slot. Call us now and we'll get to you fast, day or night, 365 days a year.
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NPTC, City & Guilds and Lantra qualified. £5M insured. Your details are never shared.