Rob Schofield [Compatibility Mode]
Rob Scholefield Landscape Manager
Tor Homes • Formerly housing stock of SHDC • Initially 3500 mainly rural homes & associated open space • Now part of Devon & Cornwall Housing – 8500+ properties across Devon, including more urban environments • Extensive development programme
In the beginning…
Is it necessary?
Is it necessary?
Is it necessary?
Is it safe?
Is it safe?
Is it safe? Time for some training…
Training… included: • • • • • •
Learning about trees, not chainsaws…! Tree biology & biomechanics Defect recognition Risk assessment - QTRA Need for corporate buy-in Need for Policy
The move to active management - key points • • • • • •
Get a policy Decide what you are liable/responsible for Decide what you’re trying to achieve Use QTRA Keep records Know your limits
The Tor Policy • Aims – why we have a policy • The Policy – “We will – Adopt a programme of ongoing tree survey to include QTRA, to identify potential risks – Carry out necessary works where there are issues of disease, decay, instability or damage to property – Seek continuous improvement in tree maintenance & planting”
The Tor Policy • The Policy - “We won’t – normally carry out pruning or removal of trees where there is no significant risk to people or property – where such requests are received we will apply the criteria and guidance in the Tree Risk Management procedures”
The procedure • How we will carry out survey • When we will carry out non safety works to open space trees – – – – – – – – –
Overhanging branches Obstruction of signs/lights Shading of property Transmitted signals Leaf/fruit/twig fall Honeydew Subsidence Root damage Drain blockage
The procedure • Commits to good quality works (BS3998 Tree Works) • Development sites – commits to good practice (BS5837 Trees & Construction) – My involvement – design of schemes & monitoring of builds; defects inspections
Implementation • Training/certification • Publicity – leaflets, articles, call handlers, staff • Structured approach to survey • Tree Management Software – Procurement – Training – Use
Consultancy • Decay detection on high value trees • Root damage • High target areas • Second opinion
Prioritisation
Prioritisation
What I’ve found • • • •
Trees/sites I didn’t know existed Seriously compromised trees on familiar sites Less than expected need of consultants Costs – – – –
initial investment in software/training/survey time Once complete able to deal efficiently with enquiries Spend on works similar but better targeted Now able to address nuisance issues as risk works largely complete
What I’ve found – familiar sites
Benefits of pro-active management • • • • • • • •
Targeted resources Dwindling complaints Reduced travelling times Equality of service Vexatious complainants dealt with uniformly Increased customer satisfaction Good relationship with Local Authority Better tree retention/planting on Development sites
Development sites
Benefits of pro-active management • Benefits to tenants – “Better Homes, Better Places” • Landscape issues taken more seriously within company • Reduced exposure to Risk • Better quality tree care – Better specifications – External contractors – Internal Grounds team – increased skills, reduced costs – Better emergency response
Emergency response
The future • Now moving out into former DCHA properties • 5000+ properties & open space with no maps! • Dealing with nuisance issues and new planting now risk works complete in ‘old’ Tor Homes area - separate budgets • Looking at asset value of trees and green space • Identifying areas for new planting • Drafting an Open Space strategy which will include trees and promote planting • More work with Development team to provide good quality Green Infrastructure
Tor Homes • Formerly housing stock of SHDC • Initially 3500 mainly rural homes & associated open space • Now part of Devon & Cornwall Housing – 8500+ properties across Devon, including more urban environments • Extensive development programme
In the beginning…
Is it necessary?
Is it necessary?
Is it necessary?
Is it safe?
Is it safe?
Is it safe? Time for some training…
Training… included: • • • • • •
Learning about trees, not chainsaws…! Tree biology & biomechanics Defect recognition Risk assessment - QTRA Need for corporate buy-in Need for Policy
The move to active management - key points • • • • • •
Get a policy Decide what you are liable/responsible for Decide what you’re trying to achieve Use QTRA Keep records Know your limits
The Tor Policy • Aims – why we have a policy • The Policy – “We will – Adopt a programme of ongoing tree survey to include QTRA, to identify potential risks – Carry out necessary works where there are issues of disease, decay, instability or damage to property – Seek continuous improvement in tree maintenance & planting”
The Tor Policy • The Policy - “We won’t – normally carry out pruning or removal of trees where there is no significant risk to people or property – where such requests are received we will apply the criteria and guidance in the Tree Risk Management procedures”
The procedure • How we will carry out survey • When we will carry out non safety works to open space trees – – – – – – – – –
Overhanging branches Obstruction of signs/lights Shading of property Transmitted signals Leaf/fruit/twig fall Honeydew Subsidence Root damage Drain blockage
The procedure • Commits to good quality works (BS3998 Tree Works) • Development sites – commits to good practice (BS5837 Trees & Construction) – My involvement – design of schemes & monitoring of builds; defects inspections
Implementation • Training/certification • Publicity – leaflets, articles, call handlers, staff • Structured approach to survey • Tree Management Software – Procurement – Training – Use
Consultancy • Decay detection on high value trees • Root damage • High target areas • Second opinion
Prioritisation
Prioritisation
What I’ve found • • • •
Trees/sites I didn’t know existed Seriously compromised trees on familiar sites Less than expected need of consultants Costs – – – –
initial investment in software/training/survey time Once complete able to deal efficiently with enquiries Spend on works similar but better targeted Now able to address nuisance issues as risk works largely complete
What I’ve found – familiar sites
Benefits of pro-active management • • • • • • • •
Targeted resources Dwindling complaints Reduced travelling times Equality of service Vexatious complainants dealt with uniformly Increased customer satisfaction Good relationship with Local Authority Better tree retention/planting on Development sites
Development sites
Benefits of pro-active management • Benefits to tenants – “Better Homes, Better Places” • Landscape issues taken more seriously within company • Reduced exposure to Risk • Better quality tree care – Better specifications – External contractors – Internal Grounds team – increased skills, reduced costs – Better emergency response
Emergency response
The future • Now moving out into former DCHA properties • 5000+ properties & open space with no maps! • Dealing with nuisance issues and new planting now risk works complete in ‘old’ Tor Homes area - separate budgets • Looking at asset value of trees and green space • Identifying areas for new planting • Drafting an Open Space strategy which will include trees and promote planting • More work with Development team to provide good quality Green Infrastructure
