Basic Tree Survey and Inspection (1 Day)
The LANTRA Basic Tree Inspection course provides essential training for those responsible for identifying obvious tree hazards and taking appropriate, proportionate action.
Description
Trees in public and workplace settings must be managed in a way that balances their benefits with the duty to reduce foreseeable risk.
The LANTRA Basic Tree Inspection course provides essential training for those responsible for identifying obvious tree hazards and taking appropriate, proportionate action. It is designed for non-specialists who have a responsibility for tree safety but who are not undertaking detailed arboricultural inspections.
Course overview
Basic tree inspection plays an important role in managing risk in parks, estates, highways, and operational environments. Those undertaking routine inspections need a clear understanding of what to look for, how to assess significance, and when further action is required.
This course introduces the principles that underpin visual tree inspection, including simple tree biology, growth form, and the factors that influence structural stability. Delegates will learn how to carry out inspections from ground level using a consistent, repeatable approach aligned with LANTRA guidance.
Training focuses on identifying common defects, signs of decay, and visible hazards that may affect tree safety. Legal responsibilities and duty of care are covered, with an emphasis on proportionate, defensible decision-making and accurate record keeping. The course also clarifies the limits of basic inspection and the importance of referring trees for specialist assessment where appropriate.
Successful completion leads to a LANTRA Award in Basic Tree Inspection.
Key benefits
- Gain a recognised LANTRA qualification in Basic Tree Inspection
- Improve confidence when carrying out routine visual tree inspections
- Identify obvious defects, decay, and common tree hazards
- Apply a clear and consistent inspection process
- Make proportionate decisions about action, monitoring, or referral
- Understand the limits of competence and when to seek specialist advice
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of tree inspection and its role in managing risk
- Outline legal responsibilities associated with tree ownership and inspection
- Describe basic tree structure, growth, and stability
- Recognise common tree defects and visible signs of decay
- Identify typical tree hazards and understand the risks they may present
- Carry out a basic visual tree inspection from ground level
- Record inspection findings clearly and accurately
- Recommend appropriate actions, including monitoring or referral to a specialist
Who should attend
This course is suitable for:
- Staff responsible for routine tree inspections in public or work environments
- Estates, grounds, parks, highways, and environmental operatives
- Supervisors and managers with responsibility for outdoor safety
- Those with limited tree knowledge who need a formal, structured inspection approach
- Organisations seeking a recognised baseline standard for tree inspection competence