When you’re responsible for trees on your land, the law doesn’t expect you to be a professional arborist. But it does expect you to be reasonable. In the UK, the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) provides clear guidance for what’s considered reasonable tree management – the legal and practical standard by which homeowners, landowners, councils, and businesses are judged when it comes to tree safety.
But what does “reasonable” really mean in this context? And what are you actually expected to do?
Let’s explore how to meet your duty of care without overmanaging or felling trees unnecessarily.
What Is Reasonable Tree Management?
In practical terms, reasonable tree management means keeping a general awareness of your trees, identifying obvious structural or physiological defects, and acting proportionately based on the risk they pose. It’s not about eliminating every possible hazard—it’s about taking appropriate, defensible steps.
You’re not required to perform complex diagnostics or climb trees with a harness. But you are expected to observe, respond, and record where necessary—especially where trees stand near areas of public access, high footfall, or buildings.
It’s a balance between:
- Public safety
- Tree health and longevity
- Environmental responsibility
- Cost and practicality
What the NTSG Recommends
The National Tree Safety Group promotes a proportionate, risk-based approach to managing tree safety. Their guidance applies to landowners of all sizes—from domestic gardens to large estates.
Three key factors shape your responsibilities:
- Tree Location
A tree in a school playground or beside a public road carries more risk than one in a rarely visited field. - Zone Usage
Understanding how people interact with the space helps determine how often trees should be checked (see our post on zoning your land for tree risk). - Visible Condition
Dead branches, cracks, leaning, fungal growth, and sparse foliage can all suggest structural or physiological issues that need monitoring or expert input.
Reasonable tree management does not mean frequent inspections for every tree—it means making decisions based on context, frequency of use, and observable signs of risk.
What Counts as “Doing Enough”?
In the eyes of the law, a reasonable person is someone who takes steps that most people in their position would take. In tree management, this might include:
- Being generally aware of your trees and checking for visible changes
- Monitoring trees near driveways, footpaths, or neighbouring properties
- Noting concerns like deadwood, cavities, fungal fruiting bodies, or lean
- Seeking advice from a qualified arborist when concerns arise
- Keeping basic records—photos, written notes, or inspection logs
- Carrying out proportionate remedial work (e.g. crown reduction, deadwood removal) where needed
- Documenting actions if trees are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or located in Conservation Areas
If a tree poses a reasonably foreseeable risk, and you fail to act, you could be held liable in the event of damage or injury.
What Doesn’t Count as Reasonable Tree Management?
Some examples of poor or negligent management include:
- Ignoring large dead branches over public areas
- Failing to investigate fungal growth or trunk cavities
- Never inspecting trees near buildings or boundaries
- Attempting high-risk DIY tree work without training
- Cutting down trees without considering protected status (e.g. TPOs or Conservation Areas)
Being reactive instead of proactive—or doing nothing at all—won’t meet the legal standard of reasonable tree management.
How Often Should Trees Be Inspected?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but low-use zones with low public access may only need checking every few years, while high-use zones (e.g. driveways, play areas, public footpaths) should be assessed annually or after major storms.
A general guide for homeowners:
- Spring inspections: Check tree structure before full canopy obscures defects
- Post-storm checks: Look for damaged or hanging branches
- Autumn checks: With leaves falling, structure becomes easier to observe
High-risk environments (schools, campsites, parks) may require more formal inspections or zoning plans, particularly where large trees overhang busy areas.
The Legal Bit: Duty of Care
Under UK law, landowners owe a duty of care to visitors, neighbours, and the public. This means taking reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable harm caused by trees.
The concept of ALARP (“As Low As Reasonably Practicable”) underpins this. You don’t have to make a tree 100% safe—just manage the risk to a reasonable level.
Simple ways to demonstrate reasonable tree management include:
- Keeping a visual inspection log (dates, locations, observations)
- Taking photos of concerns or storm damage
- Seeking advice from LANTRA-trained or Arboricultural Association approved professionals
- Notifying the local planning authority (LPA) before works on protected trees
If your tree fails and causes damage, evidence of responsible inspection and proportionate action can support your defence.
Tree Inspections and the Role of the Expert
If something doesn’t look right—mushrooms at the base, sudden lean, dieback, soil movement—that’s the time to call in a qualified arborist. You don’t always need a written report, but expert eyes can make the difference between preventive action and unnecessary felling.
All inspections and tree works by Devon Tree Services are aligned with BS3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations and relevant environmental legislation. We aim to preserve the natural value of your trees while ensuring public safety and legal compliance.
Final Word: Reasonable Doesn’t Mean Perfect
Trees are dynamic, living systems. They grow, shed limbs, decay, and adapt. Reasonable tree management accepts this complexity and balances it with practical, evidence-based action.
The goal isn’t to remove every risk—it’s to make informed, proportionate decisions that protect both people and trees.
Need Help?
Devon Tree Services offers expert tree inspections, zoning plans, and arboricultural advice tailored to your land and usage. Whether you manage a private garden or a public estate, we’ll help you stay safe—and compliant.
Call us today on 01803 814126 or email info@devontreeservices.co.uk to book a consultation.
