School Tree Safety Inspection Checklist
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Who this checklist is for
- Primary and secondary schools in England, including maintained schools and academies, where trees are present on school premises or in areas for which the school has responsibility.
- Jurisdiction
- england
10 checklist steps
Blank response areas · preview only
Confirm applicability
Use this checklist where trees are present on the school premises or within areas for which the school has responsibility.
Identify the inspection trigger
Record whether this is a routine inspection or a follow-up inspection after potentially damaging activity or weather.
Choose all that apply
- Routine inspection
- After potentially damaging activity
- After potentially damaging weather
- Other documented reason
Record inspection details
Response required
Record the inspection date, the person carrying out the inspection and the area inspected.
Date, inspector and area
Record the tree or area location
Response required
Record a location that allows the tree or group of trees to be identified and revisited.
Location, tree reference or site description
Observe and record condition
Response required
Inspect the tree or trees and record the observed condition, including any visible change or damage relevant to safety.
Observed condition or damage
Record hazards
Response required
Record any observed hazard and identify the people, buildings, routes, play areas or other property that could be affected.
Hazard and potentially affected people or property
Decide whether arboricultural advice is needed
Record the inspection decision about whether arboricultural advice is needed, and explain the basis for the decision.
Choose one
- Arboricultural advice needed
- No need for arboricultural advice identified during this inspection
- Unable to determine; seek advice
Record advice and supporting evidence
Where advice is sought or received, record the adviser, the advice provided and any supporting inspection evidence.
Adviser, advice and supporting evidence
Record required actions
Response required
Record actions arising from the inspection, including any interim controls, responsible person, target date and completion evidence where applicable.
Action, responsible person, target date and completion evidence
Plan the next inspection
Response required
Set the next inspection point in accordance with the level of risk and record any event that requires a further inspection, including potentially damaging activity or weather.
Next inspection plan or triggering event