Trees are an essential part of our landscape. They enhance the appearance of our towns and villages, provide valuable habitats for wildlife, improve air quality and create attractive outdoor spaces for people to enjoy. However, when trees are located in busy public areas such as schools, parks, playgrounds and community spaces, their management becomes a matter of public safety as well as environmental stewardship.

While the vast majority of trees are safe and healthy, even a well-established tree can develop defects, disease or structural weaknesses over time. Without regular inspection and maintenance, these issues can pose a risk to members of the public, property and infrastructure. For organisations responsible for managing public spaces, tree safety should be a key part of any grounds management strategy.

“For 7 years, ANB Trees & Ground have been our preferred contractors for tree care at the university. From comprehensive surveys to swift emergency responses and routine maintenance, their expertise is unmatched. ANB Trees & Grounds delivers an exceptional professional service.”

 Johnathan Howe – Head of External Spaces Royal Holloway University of London

Understanding the risks

Trees are living organisms that continually grow and change. Factors such as age, weather conditions, disease, pest infestations and previous damage can all affect their structural integrity. Common issues that may increase risk include:

  • Dead, dying or diseased branches.
  • Cracks or cavities within the trunk.
  • Root damage or instability.
  • Signs of decay or fungal infection.
  • Storm damage.
  • Overhanging limbs above paths, roads, playgrounds or buildings.

In areas with high footfall, even a relatively minor defect can have serious consequences if left unaddressed. Schools, parks and public spaces often attract large numbers of people every day, making proactive tree management essential for reducing potential hazards.

Protecting people and property

The primary reason for maintaining tree safety is to protect the people who use these spaces. Tree surveys provide a comprehensive assessment, conducted by a professional arborist to evaluate the health, safety and structural integrity of the tree. Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become significant problems. This allows remedial work to be carried out in a planned and controlled manner rather than as an emergency response following an incident.

Tree safety management also helps protect school buildings and facilities, public infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, fences, pathways, play areas and nearby homes or commercial properties. Preventative maintenance is invariably more cost-effective than dealing with the consequences of storm damage, fallen limbs or tree failure.

Meeting your duty of care

Organisations responsible for public land also have a legal duty of care to ensure that risks are managed appropriately. This does not mean every tree must be inspected constantly, nor does it require the removal of healthy trees. However, it does mean that a reasonable and proportionate approach to tree management should be in place.

For schools, local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and commercial landowners, this typically includes regular tree inspections, accurate record keeping, planned mantenance programmes and prompt action when defects are identified. Having a documented tree management strategy demonstrates that tree safety is being taken seriously and that appropriate steps are being taken to minimise risk.

The impact of increasingly extreme weather

In recent years, the UK has experienced more frequent periods of high winds, heavy rainfall, dry spells and extreme weather events. These conditions can place additional stress on trees, particularly those already weakened by disease, decay or poor growing conditions.

Following severe weather, previously hidden defects may become more apparent and trees that appeared healthy can quickly become unstable. This makes routine inspections even more important, particularly for sites with significant public access. Experienced arborists can identify warning signs that may not be obvious to the untrained eye and recommend appropriate action before problems escalate.

Balancing safety with environmental responsibility

Effective tree management is not about removing trees unnecessarily. In fact, one of the most important aspects of professional arboriculture is balancing public safety with the long-term health and preservation of valuable trees. Many defects can be managed through careful pruning, crown reduction, deadwood removal or other remedial works that allow the tree to remain safely in place.

Where tree removal is necessary, it should always form part of a wider management strategy that considers a sustainable approach of replacement planting and future landscape development. The goal is to create an outdoor spaces that remain both safe and environmentally beneficial for future generations.

The value of professional tree inspections

Tree safety assessments require specialist knowledge and experience.

Qualified arborists understand how different tree species respond to environmental pressures, recognise early signs of disease and can assess structural defects that may not be visible to property managers or site staff. Professional inspections provide expert risk assessments, clear maintenance recommendations, compliance support and long term management planning.

For schools, local authorities and organisations managing public spaces, this provides reassurance that trees are being managed responsibly and in accordance with industry best practice.

A proactive approach to tree safety

The most effective tree safety programmes are proactive rather than reactive. Waiting until a tree becomes visibly unsafe or an incident occurs can lead to unnecessary risk, higher costs and disruption to public spaces. By investing in regular inspections and planned maintenance, organisations can protect people, preserve valuable tree stock and maintain attractive outdoor environments all year round.

At ANB Trees & Grounds, we work with schools, councils, commercial organisations and landowners across Berkshire and the Southeast to deliver professional tree inspections, arboricultural services and grounds management solutions. Our experienced team help clients manage risk responsibly while ensuring trees continue to provide lasting environmental and community benefits.

Now is the ideal time to review your tree safety strategy and ensure your outdoor environment remains safe, compliant and well maintained. We can then plan and required works for the autumn, please get in touch to find out more.