For landowners, property managers, and developers across Hertfordshire and Devon, staying on top of tree health and safety isn’t just a matter of good landscaping, it’s a legal and practical necessity.
The Smart Approach to Tree Risk Management
At Waterman Tree Co. we offer specialist Tree Surveys & Inspections using the QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) method, an efficient and cost-effective way to assess risk across a single tree to an entire estate.
But what exactly is QTRA, and why is it becoming the go-to solution for managing trees responsibly? Le’s explore how this approach helps you meet your duty of care, mitigate liability, and manage large-scale tree populations with clarity and confidence.
What is the QTRA Tree Survey Method?
The QTRA system is a risk-based approach that quantifies the probability of tree failure and the likelihood of harm to people or property. Unlike traditional tree surveys that record every single tree detail, QTRA focuses on identifying risk to public safety, and only where it matters most.
At Waterman Tree Co, we apply this system across a range of projects, from individual trees in residential gardens to large-scale surveys for estates, schools, commercial land, and public spaces. Our QTRA-trained consultants conduct all assessments at ground level, ensuring efficiency and accuracy while maintaining safety.
How QTRA Surveys Work
If you’re managing multiple trees on a site, our survey begins with a comprehensive site map marking tree locations. Each tree is visually assessed for health and structural integrity. Where a risk is identified, we apply the QTRA formula to calculate the level of concern and determine whether remedial action is needed.
Here’s what you’ll get with a QTRA tree survey:
- Visual ground-level inspection of all trees in the target area.
- Risk-based reporting, where only trees requiring attention are recorded.
- A clear schedule of works grouped by risk priority.
- Site mapping showing trees that present a hazard.
- Tagged or spray-marked trees for removal or remedial work where appropriate.
Why Landowners Need Tree Surveys
Under the Occupiers Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, tree owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their trees don’t pose an unreasonable risk to people or property. In the event of an accident—say, a fallen branch causing injury or damage—your insurer will likely ask for evidence that the tree was inspected recently.
This is where QTRA excels. It allows you to discharge your legal duty of care by taking reasonable and proportionate steps to manage risk. Our approach helps you achieve risk reduction to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable), without unnecessary cost or complexity.
You can read more about your legal obligations in our popular blog, Understanding Tree Law in Hertfordshire & Devon.
Cost-Effective and Focused Tree Risk Management
Traditional full inventory surveys can be exhaustive and expensive. While suitable in some contexts, these surveys often collect data that isn’t directly relevant to safety or land management. QTRA avoids this inefficiency by cutting out the noise.
Instead of documenting every tree’s diameter or canopy spread, QTRA hones in on what really matters: Is this tree a risk to people, structures, or utilities? If the answer is no, there’s no need to waste time or resources recording unnecessary details.
This makes QTRA particularly valuable for:
- Schools and campuses
- Estates and large gardens
- Local authorities and councils
- Commercial properties and car parks
- Rural landowners with footpaths or bridleways
We delve further into the benefits of targeted inspections in our guide, Top 5 Benefits of Tree Inspections.
What Happens After the Survey?
Once your QTRA survey is complete, we’ll provide a structured report outlining:
- Trees that require attention
- The risk levels associated with each
- Suggested timeframes for action
- Recommendations for pruning, felling, or ongoing monitoring
This actionable reporting gives you the clarity to make informed decisions. Whether that involves tree pollarding, crown lifting, or hedge trimming, our team is on hand to implement works safely and in accordance with your risk profile.
A Trusted Method with Proven Results
We’ve received excellent feedback from clients who have used our QTRA-based surveys to manage complex tree portfolios more confidently and cost-effectively. The objective, data-driven nature of QTRA takes subjectivity out of the equation and empowers landowners to act where it counts.
Our consultants at Waterman Tree Co are QTRA-qualified and have extensive experience across Devon and Hertfordshire, helping a wide range of clients from schools to private homeowners make responsible tree care decisions.
Tree Surveys for Planning & Development
If you’re developing land, you may need a BS5837 Tree Survey to comply with planning regulations. This is different from QTRA but can be used in tandem to form a complete picture of both risk and development suitability.
Our blog, 5 Things You Should Know About BS5837 Tree Surveys, explains how this report supports your planning application and ensures trees are integrated into your designs responsibly.
Mortgage Tree Reports for Homebuyers
If you’re purchasing a property, especially in leafy areas like Totnes or St Albans, lenders may require a Mortgage Tree Report. This report assesses whether trees pose a risk to structures, drains, or subsidence, and gives you peace of mind before finalising the purchase.
QTRA principles can be applied to these surveys too—giving you accurate, cost-effective insight before you commit to buying.
The Smarter Way to Survey Trees
Tree surveys don’t need to be expensive or overcomplicated. With the QTRA method, Waterman Tree Co offers a practical, risk-focused approach that saves money, avoids unnecessary data collection, and delivers clear, legally defensible results.
Whether you’re a private landowner, school, developer, or estate manager, our Tree Surveying Services provide the tools you need to manage trees safely, responsibly, and sustainably.
Ready to book a QTRA survey or want to talk through your options? Contact our friendly team in Devon or Hertfordshire for a free quote.
FAQ About Tree Surveying with QTRA
What is the difference between a QTRA tree survey and a BS5837 tree survey?
A QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) survey focuses on assessing the risk a tree poses to people or property by quantifying the likelihood of tree failure and potential harm. It’s ideal for large-scale tree management where safety is the priority.
In contrast, a BS5837 tree survey is required during property development and planning applications. It assesses the impact of proposed construction on nearby trees and ensures trees are properly considered in site designs. Learn more about BS5837 surveys here.
How often should I have a QTRA tree survey carried out on my land?
The frequency depends on factors like tree species, age, condition, location, and public access. As a general rule, high-traffic or public-facing areas should be inspected every 1–3 years. For landowners, staying compliant with your duty of care often means maintaining a recent record of inspection—especially if you need to support an insurance claim.
Our team can advise on the most suitable inspection schedule during your initial consultation.
What does “negative style reporting” mean in tree surveys?
Negative style reporting means that only trees with identifiable defects or risks are documented in the final report. Trees in acceptable condition are not individually listed. This streamlines the process and ensures your report is focused, relevant, and cost-effective.
This approach is especially beneficial for larger sites, where documenting every single tree isn’t practical or necessary. Learn more about our approach on our tree surveying services page.
Is QTRA recognised by insurance companies or local authorities?
Yes. The QTRA system is widely recognised across the UK and is increasingly accepted by insurers, local authorities, and legal professionals as a valid method for discharging a landowner’s duty of care.
It provides an objective, quantifiable way to assess risk—helping you make informed decisions that can be backed up if legal or insurance issues arise. This makes QTRA a highly reliable option for anyone managing trees on high-risk or high-footfall land.
Can QTRA be used as part of a mortgage tree report for a property purchase?
Yes. While mortgage tree reports are typically focused on structural risks (like root damage or proximity to buildings), QTRA principles can be applied to quantify tree risk during the pre-purchase process.
This gives homebuyers and lenders greater confidence in the safety of surrounding trees. Learn more about mortgage tree surveys and how they protect your investment.