School Tree Inspection and Post-Storm Checklist
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Reviewed
- 1 October 2026
- Who this checklist is for
- School staff or contractors responsible for estate management and tree inspection records.
- Jurisdiction
- england
15 checklist steps
Blank response areas · preview only
Confirm applicability
Use this checklist only where the school has trees on its premises or within areas for which it has responsibility. If this condition does not apply, do not complete the remaining inspection items.
Record the inspection trigger
Select the reason for this inspection.
Choose all that apply
- Routine inspection
- After a potentially damaging activity
- After potentially damaging weather
- Other identified reason
Record the inspection date
Response required
Enter the date on which the inspection was carried out.
Date
Identify the inspector
Response required
Record the name of the person who carried out the inspection and their organisation, where applicable.
Name and organisation
Identify the inspected area
Response required
Record the site, area or tree reference covered by the inspection.
Site, area or tree reference
Record the inspection basis
Response required
Record the factors used to determine how the inspection was carried out and, for a routine inspection, how it reflects the level of risk.
Relevant risk and site factors
Record observed defects
Select all observations that apply and describe their location and condition in the notes.
Choose all that apply
- No obvious defect observed
- Structural defect or instability observed
- Dead, damaged or broken part observed
- Root or surrounding soil condition observed
- Other defect or concern observed
Describe defects and evidence
Record the observed defect or concern, its location, the tree or area affected, and any available supporting photographs or references.
Defect description and evidence reference
Record arboricultural advice
Record whether arboricultural advice was obtained or is needed. Include the adviser, date, advice received and any report or reference.
Choose one
- Not identified as needed
- Advice obtained
- Advice identified as needed
Document advice details
Where advice was obtained or identified as needed, record the details and any associated report or reference.
Advice, adviser and report reference
Record controls
Response required
Record any controls put in place or considered necessary in response to the inspection, including controls for people, access or activities near the affected tree or area.
Controls and implementation details
Record remedial action
Response required
Record the remedial action required, if any, including who is responsible and the planned completion date or review point.
Action, responsible person and date or review point
Record follow-up status
Select the current status of the recorded action or advice.
Choose one
- No further action recorded
- Action or advice remains open
- Action is in progress
- Action recorded as completed
- Further review required
Record follow-up evidence
Where follow-up action has been taken or a review has occurred, record the date, person responsible and supporting evidence or reference.
Follow-up details and evidence reference
File the inspection record
Store this completed record with the school's relevant estate or tree inspection records and link it to any related advice, work order, photograph or remedial-action record.