Our Services
Expert Tree Services, Inspections & Garden Maintenance in East Lothian and Edinburgh
At Old Town Tree and Garden, we provide a comprehensive range of professional arborist services, including tree inspections, tree surgery, garden maintenance, and planting design. Our team supports homeowners, developers, and commercial clients across East Lothian and Edinburgh with reliable, high‑quality tree care.
Using advanced diagnostic tools and industry‑approved methods, we produce detailed, industry‑standard tree reports and offer tailored recommendations to improve tree health, reduce safety risks, and protect surrounding property. Our expert assessments help identify disease, structural issues, and potential hazards early, ensuring long‑term tree vitality.
Tree health and vigour
Comprehensive evaluation of foliage condition, leaf or needle colour, dieback, epicormic growth, and visible signs of stress, nutrient deficiency, or declining vitality.
Structural stability
Assessment of trunk integrity, branch unions, included bark, root collar condition, and any evidence of decay, cavities, cracks, or structural weaknesses.
Root zone and soil condition
Inspection of the root plate for exposure, compaction, poor drainage, and soil health indicators that influence tree stability, growth, and long‑term resilience.
Pests and diseases
Identification of common tree pests, fungal infections, pathogens, and early indicators of infestation, along with an evaluation of risk, spread, and required treatment.
Site and hazard appraisal
Review of the tree’s surroundings, including proximity to buildings, power lines, boundaries, footpaths, and other potential targets in the event of failure.
Post‑storm and damage surveys
Rapid assessments following storms, vehicle impacts, construction activity, or accidental damage to determine immediate safety risks and necessary remedial action.
Our Tree Inspection Process
Pre‑inspection consultation
A no‑obligation discussion to understand your concerns, site history, and any previous tree work, allowing us to tailor the inspection to your needs.
Visual and tactile survey
Close‑range examination using VTA Stage 1 (Visual Tree Assessment) techniques and modern handheld diagnostic tools to assess crowns, stems, and visible root systems.
Aerial tree inspection (VTA Stage 2)
Detailed climbing or aerial‑access inspection where required to assess upper canopies, branch unions, and hard‑to‑reach structural features.
Tree tagging and GPS mapping
Accurate identification, tagging, and geolocation of trees on site for clear referencing in reports and future management plans.
Risk assessment
Application of recognised industry standards and target ratings to classify risk levels, urgency, and recommended actions.
Detailed written report
A clear, professional report including photographs, findings, risk classifications, and prioritised recommendations for management, safety, and long‑term tree health.
Follow‑up and implementation
Support with remedial works such as pruning, cabling and bracing, soil improvement, pest and disease management, or safe tree removal where necessary.
What We Assess During a Professional Tree Inspection
What We Provide in Our Professional Tree Reports
Our comprehensive tree inspection reports are designed to meet industry standards and support planning, safety, and long‑term tree management. Each report includes:
Full written documentation with Google Earth–linked maps, high‑quality photographs, and annotated diagrams
Clear risk ratings and recommended timescales for remedial action
Expert advice on tree preservation, retention, management, or safe removal
Records suitable for insurers, local authorities, planning applications, and compliance requirements
Assessments carried out by certified arborists with in‑depth local knowledge of tree species, soil conditions, and regional climate
Optional non‑destructive testing and advanced diagnostic tools (available at an additional cost)
Prioritised recommendations distinguishing urgent hazards from long‑term management needs
Professional reporting tailored for homeowners, commercial sites, landowners, and local authorities
A commitment to safety, discretion, and minimal disruption during all site visits
When to Book a Professional Tree Inspection
Tree inspections are essential for safety, planning, and responsible tree care. You should arrange an assessment if:
You suspect internal decay, cracks, cavities, or structural defects
Your property has experienced severe storms, lightning strikes, or impact damage
Trees are leaning, roots are exposed, or nearby walls and fences show signs of movement
You are preparing for building works, landscaping, or submitting a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or conservation area application
You are implementing a regular tree management or risk‑reduction programme
Book Your Tree Inspection
Contact us to arrange a professional tree inspection. We will confirm availability, provide a transparent fee estimate, and schedule a convenient appointment.
Protect your trees and safeguard the people and property around them, with the expert assessment and clear, actionable guidance of Old Town Tree & Garden.
What Our BS 5837 Tree Survey Covers
Our BS 5837 survey for design, demolition and construction provides all the essential arboricultural information required for planning applications and development projects. As part of the assessment, we examine:
Tree location, crown spread and proximity to proposed development works
Tree species, age class, physiological health and structural condition
Estimated remaining contribution (in years) and BS 5837 Category grading (A, B, C or U)
Root Protection Area (RPA) calculations and accurate mapping
Recommendations for tree retention, pruning, or safe removal
Site constraints and opportunities to integrate existing trees into design plans
Arboricultural Implications Assessment (AIA) and an outline Tree Protection Plan (TPP)
Detailed Tree Protection Plans where required, including fencing, ground protection and supervision schedules
Why a BS 5837 Survey Is Essential
A BS 5837 tree survey is a critical requirement for most development and planning applications. It ensures that trees are properly assessed, protected and integrated into the design process. You may need a BS 5837 survey because:
Planning authorities often require BS 5837 documentation to evaluate the impact of proposed works on existing trees
Early tree surveys help shape design decisions, reducing the risk of costly redesigns or planning delays
Surveys support applications for works to trees and provide evidence for planning appeals or conditions
Proper assessment protects retained trees, ensures regulatory compliance and improves overall site safety
Reports are clearly presented and tailored to meet planning submission standards
Recommendations are practical, construction‑aware and designed to help developers integrate trees into sustainable site layouts
Additional Services
Tree Works
Old Town Tree & Garden delivers high‑quality, professional tree surgery by partnering exclusively with skilled and fully qualified subcontractors. Every contractor we work with is thoroughly vetted for up‑to‑date certifications, insurance coverage, and full compliance with British Standard BS 3998 for tree work.
With careful project management, clear communication, and strict quality control, we ensure that all tree surgery is carried out safely, efficiently, and to the highest industry standards. Our commitment to excellence means every job reflects expert workmanship, responsible practice, and complete client confidence.
Garden Maintenance & Planting Design
Transform your outdoor space with our professional garden maintenance and planting design services, tailored to suit homes and commercial properties across East Lothian and Edinburgh. We provide year‑round garden care, seasonal planting schemes, expert lawn maintenance, precision pruning, and beautifully designed borders that enhance the structure and visual appeal of your garden.
Our services also include full garden revitalisation, planting plans, and personalised design guidance to help you create a cohesive, attractive landscape. Every approach is rooted in eco‑friendly, sustainable gardening practices that support biodiversity, enrich soil health, and encourage long‑term plant vitality.