Simon has over 14 years practical experience in managing trees, firstly as a climbing arborist and then running his own successful contracting and consultancy business.

This practical hands-on experience is invaluable when it comes to inspecting trees and assessing the risks they pose. Since moving to Dolgellau, Simon has focused mainly on working as an arboricultural consultant.

Trees can feature in both criminal and civil law. The majority of tree related litigation concerns civil law. An example of this is the Occupiers Liability Act 1957/1984 which states that tree owners have a ‘duty of care’ to take reasonable steps in regards to tree safety, ensuring that reasonably foreseeable harm does not come to people or property. While a tree owner is expected to take prudent steps in regards to tree management, it is also recognised that not all risks can be eliminated and that a balance has to be struck between the benefits trees bring and the risks they pose.