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Spring 2023 45 INSPECTIONS AND WHAT TO DO NEXT: For trees in a frequently visited areas, a system for periodic, proactive checks is appropriate. This should involve a visual inspection for obvious signs that a tree is likely to be unstable and should be carried out by a person with a working knowledge of trees and their defects, but who need not be an arboriculture specialist. When an area or zone or occasionally an individual tree has been checked or inspected, this should be recorded with details of any defects found and action taken. A procedure should be in place should a tree trigger any concerns – this would include who / how and when issues are reported and the closing off the area (if safe to do so) etc. TREE SURVEYS Once a tree has been identified by a check to present an elevated risk, action should be planned and taken to manage the risk. Any arboriculture work required should be carried out by a competent arboriculturist as such work tends to present a relatively high risk to the workers involved. << For more advice speak to your Health & Safety Advisor or contact HAE EHA’s BusinessGuard by emailing businessguard@hae.org.uk or call 44 (0)121 380 4612 .