Arboricultural Excellence
TREE CONSULTANT IN THE SOUTH EAST
MEET THE PRINCIPAL
Arbor Cultural was founded by Tom Thompson, who manages and runs the business on a day-to-day basis. As a leading Tree Consultant in The South East, Tom holds a Masters degree in Forestry and a BSc in Arboriculture, providing a foundation of high-level academic and practical expertise.
His career has spanned urban forestry, woodland creation, and organic waste recycling. Notably, Tom has worked within the public sector as a Local Authority Tree Officer for two different councils. This “insider” knowledge of the planning system is exactly why Arbor Cultural has such a high success rate; we understand the criteria Council officers use to judge a Tree Report.
Our mission is simple: to enable people, trees, and property to co-exist. We use Digital Arboriculture Practice (DAP) to lead the industry in how trees are valued and protected within the built environment.
Industry Accreditations
Our team holds the highest industry credentials, ensuring the authority of every report we produce:- • Arboricultural Association (Professional Member)
- • Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) Associated Member
- • Consulting Arborist Society (CAS) Member
- • International Society of Arboriculture (Certified Arborist)
- • Bond Solon Expert Witness Certified
Philosophy on Trees
Trees are life. They bring health, well-being, and beauty to our lives while adding literal value to our built environment. Beyond aesthetics, they provide cleaner air, protection, and shade. We are passionate about promoting these benefits and focus on sustainability—removing a tree is always our absolute last resort.
Digital Developments for Nature
To deliver the skills you need, we utilize contemporary technology. We lead the Digital Arboriculture Practice (DAP) working group, highlighting the importance of trees in urban environments through technical know-how that benefits Arboricultural Impact Assessments in particular.
Where We Work
We provide specialist Tree Reports across the entire South East, including Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, and London. Our consultants are mobile and equipped to handle large-scale development sites or private residential assessments with precision.
Our Clients
We work with architects, planning consultants, and property developers seeking authoritative assessments for planning. We also assist private residential clients seeking a Tree Consultant in The South East for mortgage, insurance, or legal reasons.
Consultancy FAQs
Are you an arboriculturalist?
No. We are Tree Consultants (or Arboricultural Consultants). While our work echoes what an arboriculturist does, it is often confused with a tree surgeon. We do NOT perform tree surgery; our focus is on technical assessment and preservation.
What sort of work do you get involved with?
We work with amenity trees in public parks, private gardens, urban woodlands, schools, and golf courses. Our services include BS5837 Tree Reports, Decay Detection, Air Spade Excavation, and Expert Witness work for legal disputes.
My mortgage lender is asking for a tree survey report. What is it?
Some lenders require a report to assess the risk of subsidence or structural damage. Our surveys inform both the lender and purchaser of potential costs and risks, enabling informed practical and financial decisions.
What is BS 5837?
BS 5837 (2012) is the British Standard used by Local Planning Authorities to assess the impact of development on trees. A BS5837 Tree Report is a mandatory requirement for most planning applications involving trees.
What other courses have you completed?
We maintain regular professional development, including LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection, QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment), THREATS, TRAQ, and VALID tree risk management systems.
What else do you offer regarding trees?
We provide expert witness reports, high hedge assessments, tree valuation reports, management policies, heritage assessments, and related subsidence assessments and reports.
How do trees benefit the environment?
Trees clean the air, reduce temperatures, hold water to prevent flooding, capture carbon, and provide physical and mental well-being. They “soften” the built environment and enhance our views.
Are you fully insured?
Yes. Arbor Cultural is covered with £2 million of Professional Indemnity (including mortgage and insurance reports) and £10 million for Public Liability insurance for complete peace of mind.
Where exactly is your coverage?
As a Tree Consultant in The South East, we cover East and West Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, all of London, and the home counties. For specialist work, we may travel further upon request.
What is your philosophy on tree removal?
Modern life affects tree health. Our focus is on sustainability and protection. Removing a tree is a matter of absolute last resort and is avoided whenever possible through clever design and engineering solutions.
THE PATH TO COMPLETION
AUTHORITATIVE. DEFENSIVE. FAST.
Whether you need a Tree Report for Planning or Building Control, we provide the technical evidence required to finish the build.Get started today
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