Decay Detection Technology Archives

Wildlife fencing and exclusion

We are able to offer a design and installation service of high quality semi-permanent and permanent fencing for Amphibians, Reptiles, Badgers and Water Voles.

Wildlife fencing comes in many specifications but are all designed to either exclude animals from construction areas, contain animals within a designated area or guide animals towards a certain feature such as a badger gate.

Our dedicated team are experienced installers of wildlife fencing and we are able to offer cost effective solutions, tailored for all species, sites and budgets and are guaranteed to meet Natural England Great Crested Newt Mitigation Guidelines.

Habitat Construction

We can help you create a thriving ecosystem on your site by adding habitats and encouraging wildlife.

Habitat creation is used to provide new habitats for plant, insect and animal species.

We have considerable expertise in establishing new habitat sites and provide practical solutions to ecological problems, whilst satisfying the requirements of developers and architects.

We also provide mitigation and translocation services to ensure wild plants and animals can live in harmony within the built environment.

Invasive species surveys

If you suspect an invasive species on your site, you should seek professional advice because, according to www.gov.uk you must; prevent invasive non-native plants on your land from spreading into the wild and causing a nuisance and prevent harmful weeds on your land from spreading on to a neighbour’s property.

The most commonly found, invasive, non-native plants include:

Japanese knotweed
Giant hogweed
Himalayan balsam
Rhododendron ponticum
New Zealand pigmyweed

We offer an effective solution to identify and plan the eradication of invasive species through either the use of herbicides or in extreme cases, complete removal of affect subterranean area.

The impact of invasive species should not be underestimated, as such, Japanese Knotweed is covered by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 makes it an offence to cause the plant to spread.

Protected Species Surveys

There are increasingly serious repercussions of harming, re-locating and destroying habitats of protected species in the UK, which are protected under criminal law.

Below is a list of species currently on the Protected Species register.

Bats
Great crested newt
Badger
Hazel or common dormice
Water voles
Otters
Wild birds
Reptiles
Protected plants
White-clawed crayfish
Invertebrates
Freshwater fish
Natterjack toads

Our team of dedicated ecologists are fully trained and qualified to undertake surveys on all protected species and will work meticulously to ensure compliance with all relevant legislations and ecological construction management plans.

The majority of ecological surveys are seasonally constrained so please refer to ecology survey calendar to plan your project timetable.

Habitat & Vegetation Survey

Demand for development land in the UK is increasing, with many developers looking for potential site to build on.

Before a development site is granted planning permission an Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey and Preliminary Ecological Appraisal is required.

During this initial stage information recorded will include the habitat types present, dominant floral species and any faunal species found. Local records will also be studied to reveal any protected species and the nature of any conservation sites.

A report will be produced detailing the results of the survey and recommendations for further ecological surveys.

Phase 1 surveys can significantly reduce the risk of protected species being harmed during development, which may lead to prosecution as well as identifying any invasive plant species.

Please be aware there are time constraints as to when a phase 1 habitat can be carried out, commonly between April – September. This is because certain plants will only be present at this time of year. Conducting surveys out of the optimal time of year may lead to important habitats or floral species being missed and resulting in costly hold ups to the development.

PiCUS Tree Motion Sensor

The PiCUS Tree Motion Sensor is a small electronic instrument that records dynamic structural root zone movement (called tilt) to accurately measure the tree’s response to wind. By accurately measuring the tilt movement of a tree’s structural root zone in high wind the stability of the tree can be assessed.

Wind direction is important when assessing tree stability because wind comes from many directions and often the most destructive wind comes from an unexpected direction. Data from tilt sensor monitoring is especially valuable in urban areas where nearby buildings and other structures can affect wind direction and cause unexpected tree failures.

The structural roots are the foundation of a tree’s stability, providing soil anchorage for the tree. Stable trees that are securely anchored in the ground will tilt slightly when exposed to high wind.

Even in high wind, stable trees record only a low range of tilt movement. Excessive structural root zone movement indicates a reduction in stability and that the tree may be prone to ‘up-rooting’. By using the PiCUS Tree Motion Sensor the stability of tree structural root zones can be accurately assessed.

Resistograph

The Resistograph is a device used to detect decay in trees and is particularly useful in investigating the condition of buttress roots.

This device works by drilling a 2mm drill bit in to the timber and recording resistance as the drill penetrates up to 400mm.

This advanced system is sensitive enough to accurately measure individual year on year growth rings as well as timber density and hollows.

The results are printed in real time, allowing instant interpretation and remedial recommendations.

PiCUS Sonic Tomography

The Picus 3 is the most advanced, non-invasive decay detection device on the market and is an essential tool in modern arboriculture.

The device measures the speed at which sound waves travel through the tree, based on the knowledge that sound waves travel slower through decaying timber.

By tapping pins that are placed in the sub-bark layer of the tree, the information can be processed by the onsite computer to give an incredibly accurate cross-section tomogram of the trees’ interior condition.

The light weight nature of the equipment allows this process to be carried out at any level of a tree to accurately measure the remaining residual wall and the sound velocity of decaying tissues.

Monahan Arboricultural Consultants are licenced to use new Q74 software which enable multiple cross-sections to be measured and a 3D image to be produced.

This invaluable piece of equipment has prevented the unnecessary removal of many mature trees and allows us to advise accurate management recommendations based on facts.

Tree Planting Schemes

New developments and existing properties provide exciting opportunities for new planting schemes to enhance and add value to the area.

The introduction of new tree stock can improve species diversity, provide instant cover, add amenity value with immediate effect and long in to the future.

Through our network of contacts, we have access to some of the best available tree stock in Europe and are able to offer wholesale prices to our clients.

Our tree planting schemes are designed to

Complement existing landscape
Integrate in the built environment
Provide instant screening where required
Diversify tree stock
Add visual interest
Improve wildlife habitat value

We are able to offer advice on planting single trees, through to large scale planting projects.

Tree Surgery

We provide independent and impartial advice on all aboricultural matters and do not undertake tree works ourselves.

All tree surgery operations should be carried out by qualified and experienced companies and in line with the relevant British Standard, BS3998 ‘Recommendations for Tree Works’

With over 18 years of tree surgery experience, we have a large network of contractors, all of whom have been vetted for up to date Method Statements and Risk Assessments, Health & Safety Policies and relevant insurance policies.

We can arrange the selection of contractor, instruct and supervise all tree works to ensure a cost effective solution for our clients and their trees.

Tree Protection Plan

A clear and accurate tree protection plan is a vital document in an application process.

Detailing information such as tree protection requirements, root protection areas (RPA) and an to scale CAD drawings.

Retaining and protecting mature and established trees and hedges within new developments increases amenity value, provides new built areas with a mature feel, creates attractive open spaces and also provides essential natural habitats for wildlife protected by legislation, helping developers score BREEAM points, whilst saving money on landscaping.

Tree Preservation Orders

Under Part VIII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 local authorities have the power to place Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) on individual tree, groups of trees or woodlands. The purpose of a TPO is to protect trees against removal or improper pruning that would result in a significant loss of amenity.

Prior to any work on protected trees a ‘formal application to carry out works to protected trees’ must be submitted and permission obtained from the local authority. This process usually takes 8 weeks from the date of submission.

Likewise, any trees located within a conservation area and measuring greater than 1.5m in height or 75mm at chest height will require the same formal application. This process takes a maximum of 6 weeks from the date of submission.

We have extensive experience in submitting these applications and an extremely high success rate of successful applications.

Fines of up to £20,000 per tree are enforceable for unauthorised work.

Aerial inspections

During tree condition surveys, defects in the upper canopy of the tree may have been noted and recommended for further aerial inspection. We are fully NPTC qualified to carry out aerial inspections via work positioning methods (rope & harness) and also where access permits, we have IPAF qualifications to allow us to use Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (MEWP).

Aerial inspections are an essential tool in fully assessing the structural condition of trees.

Tree Condition Survey

A tree condition survey is essential when managing trees. This type of survey is used to identify defects such as weak branch junctions, disease or decay and will assess the structural integrity of each tree affected. The report will explain our findings and make recommendations to reduce risk and liability. An inspection frequency will ensure funds are not wasted inspecting healthy trees in future tree surveys.

Your Obligations

Anyone who owns or manages land owning trees has a legal duty to ensure that they are in a safe condition so that foreseeable damage does not occur due to tree failure.

(occupiers Liability Act 1957 & 1984)

Commercial premises have a further obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to undertake regular tree surveys so that trees do not cause foreseeable damage. This duty extends to any person who comes on to the property or adjoining properties/land for any reason (including trespassers).

Guidance issued by the Arboricultural Association and the Forestry Commission advises that a tree survey is regularly undertaken by a professional tree surveyor. Failure to do so may leave those responsible liable to prosecution.

Arboricultural Method Statement

Once the design proposals are finalised, an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) and Tree Protection Plan (TPP) advises how to ensure that retained trees are not damaged during construction. Most planning applications will require an Arboricultural Method Statement if trees are located nearby.

An AMS will detail tree works, construction exclusion zones, provide details on protective fencing types, site supervision, positioning of services, site storage areas, road construction methods, and an operations timescale.

Following the completion of the final design layout being finalised a TPP should be prepared.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

The purpose of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is to assess the probable impact that the proposed development will have on trees and the impact the trees will have on the development.

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is an essential document in gaining planning permission. The findings can be used to prevent development occurring or to substantially modify its design and layout.

Trees and Development

A tree survey BS 5837(2012) is a requirement of a local planning authority (LPA) when building near trees.

The quality and value of a development greatly enhanced by the retention and integration of existing trees.

A key part of our service is to identify trees and hedgerows worthy of retention and to provide methods of work that will ensure we keep as many good quality trees as possible, while meeting the demands of the development site.

Aims of the Arboricultural Tree Report

To enable development to proceed following the BS5837:2012 as guidance on the principles to be applied to achieve a satisfactory juxtaposition of trees, shrubs and hedges, with structures.

To assess the quality and value of all trees, shrubs and hedges that could potentially be affected by construction.

To protect all retained trees, shrubs and hedges above and the ground throughout the construction process.

To satisfy the local planning authority that all measures are in place to protect retained trees throughout the construction process.

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Aims of the Arboricultural Tree Report