Tree Identification & Buildings Risk - A Practical Guide for Property Professionals

Introduction

Trees provide an important part of our urban landscapes but property professionals understand that certain species of tree can pose a risk to buildings, especially on shrinkable clay soils. But how confident are we about recognising those which may cause problems - and about which our clients might reasonably expect some warning? The courts certainly expect practitioners to be able to identify certain species.

This virtual classroom seminar will help to establish the necessary identification expertise by starting with some common trees probably encountered on a daily basis around the home and office, and in easy stages gradually moving the focus onto the key ‘must recognise’ species. Differentiating between the various members of the willow and poplar families is always likely to be difficult but merely recognising that a tree probably is a willow or a poplar is already winning an important battle. The course will also develop the simple pleasure of being better informed about our natural surroundings!

The session is intended for surveyors and valuers who carry out residential property inspections.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• Which are the ‘important’ trees and why?
• Why do some trees cause foundation movement?
• How to recognise the ones which can cause problems
• An unusual tree to watch out for increasingly in the future
• Identification tips - what are the key features to look out for:
• Distinctive growth habits: size, shape, regularity
• Bark texture, leaf shape and pattern, flowers and fruit
• Appearance of winter buds (often the most distinctive feature!)
• Why common trees should not be ignored
• Don’t take easily recognisable trees for granted
• How to spot some potential problems early
• Which of the many different coniferous trees are the few to really look out for?
• How to continue developing your expertise

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.