If issues relating to trees cannot be resolved by negotiation or arbitration then good legal advice is essential. A tree inspector can provide your legal team with the in-depth technical analysis and advice that is required to successfully argue your case.
We have over 30 years of experience in providing expert arborist services to the legal profession. We also provide expert advice for arbitration and mediation services.
We have worked with solicitors, mediators, and insurance companies, as well as their clients to provide answers to complex legal problems. Objectivity is the key to expert witness work – we strive to keep our opinion objective and to communicate it in a defensible manner. No matter which side we are working for, our goal it get as close to the truth of the matter as possible.
Expert witness and legal services
– Appraisal of tree value
– Sidewalk or pavement damage
– Causes of tree failure
– Standard arboricultural practices
Trees provide scenery, create shade, and help create the air we breathe. While all of these benefits appear to come at almost no cost, there is always the overhead of correct tree maintenance if you are going to get stress-free enjoyment from your trees.
While there are many tree problems that can be identified without calling in an expert, such as loose roots, fungal growth, dead branches, and noticable leaning, it does take an expert to identify the extent and possible impact of any symptoms. It also needs an expert to identify other tree problems that will not be visible to the untrained eye. In either case, remedial action should never be undertaken without professional advice. You can read more about trees and buildings living together here.
An expert witness is a person whose opinion is accepted by the judge as an expert, by virtue of their education, training, certification, skills or experience. A judge or jury may depend on the opinion of an expert witness when arriving at a conclusion in a case.
We have extensive experience in providing expert witness services across a broad range of tree-related issues. You can also read more about risk assessment of trees here.
Investigations are carried out for various reasons such as preparation for planning applications, resolving disputes with neighbours, assessing property damage, etc.
Site investigations are also advised in cases where you intend to carry out work on a tree or stands of trees. Without a proper site investigation and report you will find it difficult to get comparable price quotations for the work. Sending out a properly prepared specification of work to potential contractors will ensure that you can make a like-for-like comparison between competitive bids. Read about potential issues relating to trees on adjoining properties here.
All our reports are provided in bound format with clearly marked sections, tree identification index, and mapping as required. Tree Reports are at all times presented as impartial documents and the data and conclusions they contain are presented in an unbiased way. While every care is taken to ensure factual correctness, it must be borne in mind that trees are living organisms and can fail without warning. Consequently any assessment of the longevity or safety of any tree is based on the observable condition and should only be taken as an opinion, not fact. You can read more about tree reports here.