Arbor Vitae Arboriculture Ltd
Trader Categories and Services
Tree Inspections, Tree Surveys, Arboricultural Surveys, BS5837 Surveys, Bat Inspection in Trees, Airspade, Soil Decompaction, Arboricultural Inspections, Tree & Forestry Services, Trees & Bushes, Pre-development Surveys, Tree PlantingBusiness Information
Tree Inspections
An arboricultural survey is very important to record trees that may be at risk of causing harm or damage, in both residential and commercial circumstances.
It is the tree-owner’s legal ‘duty of care’ to others to have their trees professionally inspected and the recommended work carried out.
The survey provides information such as:
Tree species, age and condition
Potential safety concerns, hazards or nuisances
Prioritised recommendations for remedial work
BS5837/Pre-Planning Surveys
Working from a CAD-type drawing with accurate tree locations, BS5837 surveys are designed to collect accurate data for each tree, assess their condition and categorise them according to their quality, which is based on condition, and their arboricultural, ecological and cultural significance.
This process will mainly concern architects and developers, but can also apply to home-owners who are planning property improvements or development.
AVA’s professional tree consultants use the latest technology to capture data on site, and to provide you with easily-digested information that will enable the safe and systematic management of your trees – before, during and post development.
The survey includes a full stock-take of trees in areas that may be affected by a proposed development, recording all relevant dimensions and tree condition. A full report detailing tree condition with recommended works, potential conflicts and a tree constraints plan (showing root protection areas) is provided.
If required by planning, we can also provide an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Arboricultural Method Statement and a Tree Protection Plan.
Inspections For Bats In Trees
Wilful or negligent destruction of bats or their roosts is a criminal offence. Bats are a threatened species, with their habitat being severely depleted over the last century. They are a necessary and important part of our natural ecology, responsible for keeping down the numbers of midges and other flying insects.
We can carry out ground-based ‘bat potential’ inspections as well as more thorough ground- and aerial-inspections of trees for bats using an endoscope.
Our professional tree consultants can provide thorough inspections for bats in trees prior to any tree surgery, demolition or development, in order to prevent an offence being committed.
We were trained and certified by Echoes Ecology in 2012.
An arboricultural survey is very important to record trees that may be at risk of causing harm or damage, in both residential and commercial circumstances.
It is the tree-owner’s legal ‘duty of care’ to others to have their trees professionally inspected and the recommended work carried out.
The survey provides information such as:
Tree species, age and condition
Potential safety concerns, hazards or nuisances
Prioritised recommendations for remedial work
BS5837/Pre-Planning Surveys
Working from a CAD-type drawing with accurate tree locations, BS5837 surveys are designed to collect accurate data for each tree, assess their condition and categorise them according to their quality, which is based on condition, and their arboricultural, ecological and cultural significance.
This process will mainly concern architects and developers, but can also apply to home-owners who are planning property improvements or development.
AVA’s professional tree consultants use the latest technology to capture data on site, and to provide you with easily-digested information that will enable the safe and systematic management of your trees – before, during and post development.
The survey includes a full stock-take of trees in areas that may be affected by a proposed development, recording all relevant dimensions and tree condition. A full report detailing tree condition with recommended works, potential conflicts and a tree constraints plan (showing root protection areas) is provided.
If required by planning, we can also provide an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Arboricultural Method Statement and a Tree Protection Plan.
Inspections For Bats In Trees
Wilful or negligent destruction of bats or their roosts is a criminal offence. Bats are a threatened species, with their habitat being severely depleted over the last century. They are a necessary and important part of our natural ecology, responsible for keeping down the numbers of midges and other flying insects.
We can carry out ground-based ‘bat potential’ inspections as well as more thorough ground- and aerial-inspections of trees for bats using an endoscope.
Our professional tree consultants can provide thorough inspections for bats in trees prior to any tree surgery, demolition or development, in order to prevent an offence being committed.
We were trained and certified by Echoes Ecology in 2012.
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Reviews and Feedback
4.9 out of 5 based on
48 reviews.
Order by:
14th November 2024
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
Arbor Vitae successfully assisted us with a very tricky installation of a new moled water main in a conservation area with many trees. They were very dedicated, reliable and quick to respond to any queries. I would be happy to work with them again in future.
13th November 2024
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
I emailed Mike about my concerns about the health of a big tree in my garden near a neighbours house . I gave him details about the tree over several emails and he replied promptly and gave me really good advice . He was prompt in coming out to assess tree. I live in Borders so was grateful for him coming so far from Fife . He is a highly qualified tree specialist and has given me an excellent and thorough written assessment of health of tree which has given me a lot of reassurance and a way forward .
Jan Pearson
12th February 2024
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
During recent storms, one of our large trees lost a substantial limb, fortunately at 1.00AM, when no one was about. We contacted Mike and he turned up promptly. As a lay person I am not in a position to assess Mike's expertise, but his service was quick and efficient, he expressed his findings in a manner I was able to understand, and he clearly set out what needed to be done. His report was comprehensive, his fee very reasonable, and he did not try to "sell" me any unnecessary service. I will certainly be using his services again.
Recommended.
Recommended.
Graham M McLeod
25th August 2023
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Tree report and advice. Very professional, knowledgeable service and the advice given prevented trees from being felled unnecessarily.
7th December 2022
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Tree survey for a private residential development. Mike at AV Arboriculture talked me through the various options and process, then carried out the survey and prepared the report swiftly and efficiently. He then took time to explain various next steps, and was generally really helpful and easy to engage. I'll definitely be using Mike and AV Arboriculture for future projects. Thanks Mike!
Tom
23rd September 2022
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Was worried about the effect of soil compaction from building work I was having done. Received a quote for £2k+ from another firm to aerate the soil, who were not able to establish whether it was compacted. AV came promptly assessed the soil for compaction and told me it was not compacted. Charged £45. Would definitely use them again.
30th July 2022
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
I found Mike through Edinburgh Trusted Trader. I had been worried about a large tree on my property, particularly as I had seen it swaying in high winds and I was worried about whether it may break and cause damage to neighbouring houses. A tree surgeon had cold called me saying he had just done work in the neighbourhood, had noticed the tree and and offered to to deal with it for a 4 figure sum. After I contacted Mike he kept in touch as he was unable to come immediately having been called for jury service. Hardly his fault!! After this had finished he came round bang on time, spent about an hour surveying everything and talking to me. He explained that the tree was safe. He wrote me a short report that was emailed just a few days later. Money very well spent and has saved me many hundreds as well as giving me peace of mind. Thoroughly recommended. I will be asking him back to reassess the tree in a few years. Thanks Mike.
Andrew F
6th May 2022
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
I contacted Mike looking for advice on some trees planted in my garden by a neighbour. I had researched how trees could impact on a property, but thought it best to ask an expert. He arranged to visit the very next day.
He was very professional and inspected the garden thoroughly. He advised me which trees could be a risk to our property, and advised on the impact on the rest of the garden too.
On the basis of his verbal report I requested a written future risk report to submit to my insurance company, which I received promptly.
I am now hoping that my neighbours will act on the report, and would recommend Mike should they require professional help with the tree removal.
He was very professional and inspected the garden thoroughly. He advised me which trees could be a risk to our property, and advised on the impact on the rest of the garden too.
On the basis of his verbal report I requested a written future risk report to submit to my insurance company, which I received promptly.
I am now hoping that my neighbours will act on the report, and would recommend Mike should they require professional help with the tree removal.
Lorraine Petrie
7th April 2022
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike turned up on time, carried out a thorough inspection of the tree, provided helpful advice and guidance and then followed up with a comprehensive report a couple of days later - exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Mike.
Robert Palmer
26th November 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike Charkow carried out an assessment of the health & safety of some trees in our garden and provided a concise and helpful report on all the issues discussed.
Mike Patterson
24th October 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike really knows his stuff about trees, was a pleasure to deal with and his surveying was very thorough and accurate. I would be delighted to use him again or to recommend him to other people.
Sophia Collins
23rd September 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike conducted a survey of a number of trees in our garden and compiled a report on a very large Lawson Cypress. Excellent service and I'd have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone wanting an opinion on the trees in their garden.
David Scott
3rd June 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike has done tree work for me twice and has always impressed with his knowledge and skill.
M Fitzpatrick
27th April 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
the service provided by Arbor Vitae Arboriculture Ltd was fantastic, the professional administration and physical works was very effective and I would definitely use Mike again.
Daniel Sowerby
27th April 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
Survey of trees actioned timeously & professionally
graeme clarke
23rd February 2021
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike provided a thoughtful, timely, unrushed, affordable and expert survey our tree. Much appreciated, highly recommended.
Matt
3rd December 2020
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Request to assess the condition of a mature old oak tree and possible pruning options.
Mike's technical knowledge and professional approach was clear to see from our first contact. The report following his physical assessment of the tree was well written clearly setting out the scope of his assessment, analysis, recommendations and conclusion.
Clear expectations were set throughout the process, and at no time was I left unaware as to progress and timescales. Any questions I had were answered, and answered promptly.
My experience was a positive one and I have no doubts recommending Mike to others.
Mike's technical knowledge and professional approach was clear to see from our first contact. The report following his physical assessment of the tree was well written clearly setting out the scope of his assessment, analysis, recommendations and conclusion.
Clear expectations were set throughout the process, and at no time was I left unaware as to progress and timescales. Any questions I had were answered, and answered promptly.
My experience was a positive one and I have no doubts recommending Mike to others.
N Stewart
30th November 2020
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Great service. We asked about getting a tree report done. He was honest about the difficulty giving an exact quote but gave us a range of prices depending on the complexity needed because of the condition of the tree. We accepted and asked for a report.
He visited site exactly when arranged and we received a very comprehensive report 2 days later. It was very detailed and the charge was within the figures quoted.
A good value and very professional service that we’d be happy to recommend.
He visited site exactly when arranged and we received a very comprehensive report 2 days later. It was very detailed and the charge was within the figures quoted.
A good value and very professional service that we’d be happy to recommend.
Fiona
4th September 2020
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike visited our site when he said he would, and spent 2 hours closely inspecting our trees. We had informative practical discussions whilst Mike was with us which were accurately reflected in the report which promptly followed two days later.
We would thoroughly recommend Mike for anyone looking to have their trees surveyed.
We would thoroughly recommend Mike for anyone looking to have their trees surveyed.
Andrew Goodacre
7th July 2020
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike did a tree survey for me. He reviewed the tree the same day that I phoned him. Very helpful in advising us and his written report was very professional, easy to read and understand.
Five stars all round from me.
Five stars all round from me.
10th June 2020
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Work done promptly and efficiently and a written report received the same day
Application to the Council to fell a tree done for us which saved us a lot of hassle
Application to the Council to fell a tree done for us which saved us a lot of hassle
Annie Edmond
27th April 2020
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Assessment of existing tree and review options for removal and/or future maintenance.
AV Arboriculture were very helpful and gave useful and straightforward advice to allow us to progress with proposed tree works within our garden. As the work lay within a Conservation Area they handled the required planning application with the minimum of fuss and expense. I would certainly recommend their service.
AV Arboriculture were very helpful and gave useful and straightforward advice to allow us to progress with proposed tree works within our garden. As the work lay within a Conservation Area they handled the required planning application with the minimum of fuss and expense. I would certainly recommend their service.
Andrew Johnstone
6th October 2019
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
I had a lot of concerns regarding a large number of trees in my garden. Mike was very helpful and professional, giving advice beforehand and at the time of the tree survey. His report was detailed and informative, and his fees were very fair.
Jennifer P
21st August 2019
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike was great. He came on time, gave me invaluable advice and answered all my questions. Highly recommended. Thank you.
Sue Atkinson
2nd July 2019
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Work performed - BS5837 (2012) pre-planning survey of around 30 trees.
Report including tree retention category, prioritised work recommendations and a
tree constraints plan.
Comments on potential conflicts between development and the trees.
Excellent work performed by AV Arboriculture Ltd. Report quality was superb, communication and speed of turnaround was first class and value for money was very competitive.
Will definitely employ their services again if the need arises.
Report including tree retention category, prioritised work recommendations and a
tree constraints plan.
Comments on potential conflicts between development and the trees.
Excellent work performed by AV Arboriculture Ltd. Report quality was superb, communication and speed of turnaround was first class and value for money was very competitive.
Will definitely employ their services again if the need arises.
Lee Bashford
30th January 2019
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike surveyed the trees at our site and gave us a comprehensive survey and schedule going forward. We acted on his survey and were able to use the survey when applying to the planning department for the work he had recommended to be done on our trees
We would recommend Arbor Vitae Arboriculture Ltd without hesitation
We would recommend Arbor Vitae Arboriculture Ltd without hesitation
Merchiston Bowls and Tennis Club
22nd January 2019
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Work completed- safety/risk assessment of three large sycamore trees in our garden. The work was carried out in a professional manner with feedback both verbal and written both were provided in easily understood language. This company is reliable and trustworthy and I can highly recommend them. Mike Charkow Principal Arboriculturist in our opinion went the extra mile by Carrying out a wider assessment than just the three trees and identified a smaller tree that was of branch failure. We very much appreciated this wider assessment. As a result of Mike’s visit we have a plan in place for the well being of our trees.
10th December 2018
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike was extremely professional and diligent. The report he produced, on a tree neighbours decided to butcher, addressed precisely the scope of work I originally supplied and was completed to an exacting professional standard.
Neil
28th November 2018
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
The Drumsheugh Gardens Upkeep Committee, of which I am the Secretary, has very recently (October 2018) engaged AV Arboriculture Ltd to carry out consultancy works on the condition of trees in our Edinburgh New Town Garden. We are very satisfied with the advice provided to us by AV's Mike Charkow, who came to us very highly recommended by our Gardens' advisor, Carolyn Grohmann of Secret Gardens Design
Gordon Watson
26th November 2018
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Honest professional who is very good at his job. We invited him to do a tree survey for us which he did with great diligence, and was able to articulate the right amout of information to both us and our neighbour in order for us to make the right decisions. Mike also followed up with a report that could be used in order to provide compelling evidence to the council (the tree was highly dangerous and had to be taken down ASAP)
Andy Dryden
16th May 2018
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Superb, knowledgable and very friendly service, I highly recommend this company!
Tim Chamberlain
28th March 2018
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Very comprehensive independent report . Identified and assessed our trees and was able to give a thorough assessment of them , providing a clear written document as the basis for future works in our garden
Andrew
26th February 2018
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
We received a great service from Mike. He replied quickly to email queries , advised us of timescales of completion for hiswork and prepared a thorough report for us.
A Davidson
19th December 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Very quick service. Excellent communication.
24th May 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike and his team are excellent. Professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy and communication was straightforward and honest. Highly recommended.
25th April 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike provides an excellent service.
He's incredibly knowledgeable in his field and we trusted him completely in the management of looking after our tree in the front garden.
He's also punctual and safety conscious.
Would recommend him highly.
He's incredibly knowledgeable in his field and we trusted him completely in the management of looking after our tree in the front garden.
He's also punctual and safety conscious.
Would recommend him highly.
1st March 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
Excellent and prompt service. More than happy with the reports.
Andrew Thomson
20th February 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
fitted in our requirement at short notice...very helpful
matthew ansell
16th February 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Very quick service, AV responded quickly to emails ad calls and were helpful
14th February 2017
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
The survey was completed on time and for a reasonable charge. The Report addressed the relevant issues.
Margaret Day
20th July 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
AV Aboriculture Ltd pruned and shaped a number of trees for us, all work agreed beforehand, happy to use again, etc.
A Cant
6th July 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £5001 - £25,000
Ratings
Review Comments
Very proficient and capable tree surveyor.
22nd June 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
The Arboriculture Ltd teams knowledge, experience and advice has been invaluable to looking after and developing the trees within our Estate.
john whitchelo
14th June 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1001 - £5000
Ratings
Review Comments
Very happy with the job that has been done on the trees. The guys did it with such professionalism.
The guys have made a first class job on the two cherry trees out the back, keeping the shape so well.
The men were certainly working hard all day.
Thanks for the very professional job.
Nothing but positive comments from the committee and our residents.
The guys have made a first class job on the two cherry trees out the back, keeping the shape so well.
The men were certainly working hard all day.
Thanks for the very professional job.
Nothing but positive comments from the committee and our residents.
Craigmount Townhouse Residents Association
18th April 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £5001 - £25,000
Ratings
Review Comments
I first used Mike in 2013 to survey and assess trees in a large private gardens in Edinburgh's New Town area. He was very responsive and knowledgeable. He explained everything fully and recommended in-depth surveys only on those trees that required it.
His final report was clear with any required works classed according to high, medium or low priority. This is very useful when you have to stagger the works or seek approval from all the residents prior to undertaking any works.
I have continued to use Mike for our ongoing tree maintenance.
I highly recommend Mike and have no reservations about using AV Arboriculture Ltd in the future.
His final report was clear with any required works classed according to high, medium or low priority. This is very useful when you have to stagger the works or seek approval from all the residents prior to undertaking any works.
I have continued to use Mike for our ongoing tree maintenance.
I highly recommend Mike and have no reservations about using AV Arboriculture Ltd in the future.
Angela Yates
24th March 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
AV Arboriculture was selected on the basis of a competitive tendering process to carry out arboricultural services involving a tree condition survey for some 70 protected trees and production of a related tree survey report including remedial tree work recommendations for submission to the local planning authority. The survey work was carried out in a timely and highly professional manner applying the same level of care and attention to each tree. The resulting documentation was of a high quality providing well organised and illustrated information in excess of the original brief. The arboriculturist carrying out the work was at all times courteous and helpful in answering queries. The job which was priced at a very competitive rate proved to be excellent value for money. This company will be used again for future arboricultural work.
Robert Dowie
24th March 2016
Value of Products/Services or Work Performed: £1 - £1000
Ratings
Review Comments
Mike provides an excellent service with a friendly and approachable nature, giving value for money and offering a high degree of knowledge.
I have used the services of AV for around 10 years now and they are always my first port of call should I require a complex tree survey or bat report.
When I changed employers, bringing Mike on board as a supplier one of my first actions. Highly recommended.
I have used the services of AV for around 10 years now and they are always my first port of call should I require a complex tree survey or bat report.
When I changed employers, bringing Mike on board as a supplier one of my first actions. Highly recommended.
Simon Breustedt