Appendix 4 - Tree Report Linton_LinesideWalk Dec 2024
Argyll and Bute Council · 22 January 2025
Back to Planning, Protective Services and Licensing Committee — 22 January 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Some pages contain no extractable text. They may be blank, graphics or scanned pages. OCR has not been applied.
Page 1
Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu, G84 8JH December 2024 Appendix 4
Page 2
PROJECT INFORMATION Site Information: Location: Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu, G84 8JH Grid Reference: NS 27314 84402 Survey Details: Surveyor: Graeme Millar Date of Survey: 04 December 2024 Report Details: Project Reference: 101071 Project Title: Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Report Title: Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) Document Reference: 101071_01 Date of Issue: 05 December 2024 Version: 01 Client Details: Name: Kirsty Sweeney Organisation: Argyll and Bute Council Address: Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Company Details: Company Name: TREEPLANNER LTD Company No: SC786795 Registered Office: 40 Balmoral Crescent, Inchinnan, PA4 9PU Tel: 0141 345 2849 Email: info@treeplanner.co.uk Web: www.treeplanner.co.uk This report has been produced by TREEPLANNER LTD. with all due skill and care, in accordance with the terms agreed upon with the Client. The contents of this report are confidential and intended solely for the Client. TREEPLANNER LTD. disclaims any liability to third parties who may become aware of this report. Reproduction or modification of any portion of this document is prohibited without the prior written consent of TREEPLANNER LTD. Table of Contents OVERVIEW 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................... 3 PRELIMINARIES 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE ................................................................................... 4 3 SITE OVERVIEW ................................................................................................ 4 4 METHODS ........................................................................................................... 4 5 DESK STUDY FINDINGS .................................................................................. 5 VISUAL TREE ASSESSMENT (VTA) 6 VTA FINDINGS ................................................................................................... 6 7 MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 7 APPENDICES APPENDIX 1. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD ...................................................... 8 APPENDIX 2. TREE SURVEY PLAN ............................................................... 11 APPENDIX 3. CASCADE CHART FOR TREE QUALITY ASSESSMENT .. 12 APPENDIX 4. VTA SURVEY SCHEDULE KEY .............................................. 13
Page 3
101071_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Page 3 of 13 OVERVIEW 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) was commissioned by Ms. Kirsty Sweeney, Area Team Leader of Development Management for Argyll and Bute Council, to evaluate the condition of an individual tree located within the residential property known as Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu, G84 8JH. The primary aim of the assessment was to determine the tree's quality and to determine its physiological and structural condition. The assessment identified the tree as a mature common beech (Fagus sylvatica) situated on a south-west-facing embankment in the north-east corner of the rear garden. Observations highlighted historical wounding and recent pruning and topping at approximately 15.0m. Aerial imagery confirmed the vigorous development of wound-wood over historic defects in the upper crown, indicating good recovery. The tree was evaluated using the BS5837 quality assessment criteria and in light of the recent management interventions, classified as Category 'B1'. Given the tree's location within a residential garden and its previous management history, this report recommends: 1. Regular Arboricultural Monitoring: A follow-up VTA should be conducted by a qualified arboriculturist 15 months from the date of this report. This will allow observations over seasonal changes and facilitate early detection of any emerging risks. 2. Management Actions: While no immediate interventions are required to address significant hazards, monitoring for structural changes or decay in wounds is essential to minimise risks over time. These recommendations aim to address safety concerns while maintaining the ecological and aesthetic contributions of the tree to the local area. Ongoing management and monitoring will ensure the tree's health and stability are prioritised, safeguarding both site users and the surrounding property.
Page 4
101071_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Page 4 of 13 PRELIMINARIES 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE 2.1 Instruction 2.1.1 TREEPLANNER LTD. was commissioned by Kirsty Sweeney (Area Team Leader, Development Management, Argyll and Bute Council) to produce a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) report on an individual tree attributable to a residential property known as Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu, G84 8JH. 2.2 Author qualifications 2.2.1 Graeme Millar is a qualified arboricultural consultant with extensive experience advising clients in relation to trees and safety. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and is a Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association. 2.3 Aims and objectives 2.3.1 This report aims to assess the nature, condition, and characteristics of an individual landscape tree attributable to a residential property. 2.4 Field study 2.4.1 The field study was conducted on 04 December 2024. The survey quality was not affected by inclement weather. 2.5 Disclaimers 2.5.1 This report was prepared exclusively for use by the client in accordance with the terms of the contract. No responsibility is accepted for any actions taken by a third party arising from their interpretation of the information contained within this report. 2.5.2 This survey specifically addresses the health and safety risks posed by trees. Where potential hazards have been identified, an appropriate strategy for management is recommended. 2.5.3 The survey conclusions relate solely to the conditions recorded at the time of inspection. 2.5.4 It is important to recognise that there is no such thing as a completely safe tree. Trees are living organisms that can be affected by numerous factors, including age, structural integrity, environmental conditions, and unforeseen weather events. Even healthy trees can present risks, particularly during extreme weather or due to sudden, unforeseen failure of limbs. 2.5.5 This report aims to assess the current condition of trees and provide recommendations to mitigate identifiable risks, but it cannot guarantee the future safety of any tree. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to manage potential hazards and adapt to changes in tree condition over time. 2.5.6 The VTA survey schedule presented in this document may include management recommendations but is not a schedule of works and is not designed to be submitted to a contractor. 2.5.7 The Tree Survey Plan appended to this report includes all individual trees and tree groups recorded during the field study. In the absence of any supplied topographical survey, trees and tree groups were plotted in the field using GPS receivers typically accurate to within 2.0m. 3 SITE OVERVIEW 3.1 Location and context 3.1.1 The subject tree is located within the rear gardens of a residential property on Lineside Walk, Rhu. The site is set within a primarily residential area with neighbouring homes and gardens surrounding it on all sides. The surrounding area benefits from good garden tree cover providing significant amenity and ecological value; however, the subject specimen is the only tree attributable to Linton. Beyond the residential properties sited to the north lies approximately 4.0 hectares of mixed native deciduous woodland. 4 METHODS 4.1 Tree survey 4.1.1 Trees and tree groups were assessed in accordance with the principles of the Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) method (Mattheck et al).
Page 5
101071_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Page 5 of 13 4.1.2 Observations were made from ground level and with the aid of aerial drone imagery. The survey did not include detailed or invasive investigations. As such, internal decay or defects may not be fully detectable through visual inspection alone. 4.1.3 Trees were measured using diameter tape and a clinometer. Where this was not possible or practical, measurements were estimated. 4.1.4 The following information was recorded: • Tree / Group No. • Species • Height & Stem Diameter • Crown spread • Condition • General observations • Management recommendations • Estimated contribution • BS5837 quality category 4.2 Tree survey plan 4.2.1 Trees and tree groups were plotted on a Tree Survey Plan using a GPS receiver typically accurate to within 2.0m. 4.2.2 Information presented on the Tree Survey Plan includes: • Tree Number • Tree Locations • Crown Extents • BS5837 Quality Category Colour 4.3 Desk study 4.3.1 A desk study was undertaken in conjunction with the field survey to gather information on tree stock. The desk study includes a review of: • Tree Preservation Orders1 and Conservation Areas2 5 DESK STUDY FINDINGS 5.1 Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas 5.1.1 The assessed tree is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order and does not lie within a Conservation Area. 1 Available at: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-guidance/tree- preservation-orders (Accessed 05 December 2024) 5.1.2 To the immediate east of the adjacent Station Road are two designated group Tree Preservation Orders: • TPO 03/98 – Airlig/High Laggary, Station Road, Rhu (May 1999) • TPO 8B – Laggary, Rhu (March 1972) 5.1.3 Directly south of the site, across Lineside Walk, lies the boundary of the Rhu Conservation Area. 2 Available at: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024- 07/Rhu_Conservation_Area.pdf (Accessed 05 December 2024)
Page 6
101064_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Page 6 of 13 VISUAL TREE ASSESSMENT (VTA) This section should be read in conjunction with the Tree Survey Plan in Appendix 2, Cascade Chart for Tree Quality Assessment in Appendix 3 and the VTA Survey Schedule Key in Appendix 4. 6 VTA FINDINGS 6.1 VTA survey schedule KEY TO TREE SURVEY SCHEDULE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Prevention of Harm to People: Actions are required to address potential hazards that could cause injury or harm to individuals Prevention of Damage to Property: Actions are required to prevent possible damage to buildings or infrastructure General Canopy Management: Actions are required to address routine management of the tree canopy to promote overall health and longevity TREE SURVEY SCHEDULE – LINTON, LINESIDE WALK, RHU, G84 8JH Tree / Group No. Species (Scientific name) Height (m) Stem Diameter (mm) Crown Spread N Crown Spread S Crown Spread E Crown Spread W Age Class Condition General Observations Management Recommendations: Prevention of Harm to People Management Recommendations: Prevention of Damage to Property Management Recommendations: General Canopy Management Estimated Remaining Contribution (Years) BS5837 Category INDIVIDUALLY RECORDED TREES T2761 Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) 15 750 x1 6 6 5 6 MA F Mature vigorous landscape specimen in NE corner of residential garden sited on SW facing embankment Upper crown development slightly suppressed from E 2 codominant stems from 12.0m Recently topped at 15.0m with further unsympathetic pruning works in upper crown Aerial imagery shows vigorous wound-wood developing over historic wounds Historic tree surgery to raise clear canopy height with all wounds occluding Minor branch fractures and associated decaying stumps __ __ Regular arboricultural monitoring 20-40 B1
Page 7
101071_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Page 7 of 13 7 MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS These recommendations are intended to meet the site owner’s Duty of Care to users of the site and any adjoining properties. This section should be read in conjunction with the management recommendations set out in the VTA survey schedule in Section 7.1 and the Tree Survey Plan in Appendix 2. 7.1 Arboricultural monitoring 7.1.1 Given the context of the subject tree within a residential garden, it is recommended that another Visual Tree Assessment be conducted by a competent arboriculturist 15 months from the date of this report. 7.1.2 This will allow observations across seasonal changes and provide an updated assessment of tree health. 7.1.3 Regular monitoring will help to identify any new hazards, assess the effectiveness of previous management actions, and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to maintain safety and minimise risks. 7.1.4 Additionally, this assessment will help to anticipate potential future issues and ensure that the tree remains in line with safety and management goals.
Page 8
101064_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 8 of 13 APPENDICES Appendix 1. PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD 360° aerial footage of the subject tree is available here: https://youtu.be/N3BQYsMQViE Image No. 01 Image taken from within the garden showing subject beech tree Image No. 02 Image taken from within Lineside Walk showing subject beech tree Image No. 03 Image taken from Lineside Walk approaching from the SW
Page 9
101064_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 of 13 Image No. 07 Aerial image of the subject tree from SW Image No. 08 Aerial image showing the extent of recent topping and pruning works
Page 10
101064_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 10 of 13 Image No. 09 A top-down aerial image showing vigorous wound-wood developing over historic wounds Image No. 10 Aerial image of the site from S
Page 11
101064_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11 of 13 Appendix 2. TREE SURVEY PLAN
Page 12
No embedded text on this page.
Page 13
101071_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Appendix 3. CASCADE CHART FOR TREE QUALITY ASSESSMENT Category and definition Criteria (including subcategories where appropriate) TREES UNSUITABLE FOR RETENTION Category U Those in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years. • Trees that have a serious, irremediable structural defect such that early loss is expected through collapse or become unviable after removal of other category U trees. • Trees that are dead or are showing signs of significant, immediate, or irreversible overall decline. • Trees infected with pathogens of significance to the health and/or safety of other nearby trees or trees of very low quality, suppressing adjacent trees of better quality. Note: Category U trees can have existing or potential conservation value which it might be desirable to preserve. 1 Arboricultural Value 2 Landscape Value 3 Cultural Value TREES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR RETENTION Category A Trees of high quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy of at least 40 years Trees that are particularly good examples of their species, especially if rare or unusual. Essential components of groups or formal or semi-formal arboricultural features (i.e., dominant/principal trees in an avenue) Trees, groups, or woodlands of particular visual importance as arboricultural and/or landscape features Trees, groups, or woodlands of significant conservation, historical, commemorative or other value (e.g., Veteran trees or wood-pasture) Category B Trees of moderate quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy of at least 20 years Trees that might be included in the high category, but are downgraded because of impaired condition (e.g., remediable defects or poor past management/storm damage) such that they are unlikely to be suitable for retention beyond 40 years Trees present in numbers usually as groups or woodlands, such that they form distinct landscape features thereby attracting a higher collective rating than they might as individuals, or trees occurring as collectives but situated to make little visual contribution to the wider locality. Trees with measurable conservation or cultural value Category C Trees of low quality with an estimated remaining life expectancy of at least 10 years, or young trees with a stem diameter below 150mm Unremarkable trees of very limited merit or such impaired condition that they do not qualify in higher categories Trees present in groups or woodlands, but without this conferring on them significantly greater collective landscape value and/or trees offering low or only temporary/transient landscape benefits. Trees with very limited conservation or cultural value
Page 14
101071_01 - Visual Tree Assessment Linton, Lineside Walk, Rhu Page 13 of 13 Appendix 4. VTA SURVEY SCHEDULE KEY Tree Number Tag number attached to the tree and presented on tree survey plans. Species (Scientific name) Common name and botanical name of tree species. Where precise species identification was not ascertained, genus is given. Height (m) Approximate height of the tree given in meters. Stem Diameter (mm) Diameter of the main stem(s) given in millimetres and taken 1.5m above ground level. Crown Spread (m) Directional branch spreads estimated in meters to provide a representative crown shape. Age Class YO - Young, EM - Early Mature, MA - Mature, V - Veteran. Condition An overall assessment of the trees physiological and structural condition. G- Good, F- Fair, P- Poor General observations A brief description of the tree. Management Recommendations Recommendations for arboricultural works. Estimated Remaining Contribution An estimation of the safe / useful life expectancy of the tree. BS5837 Category The quality category given to a tree in line with BS5837:2012 tree quality assessment.