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Tree Surgery Risk Assessment — Arborist RA Generated Instantly
Describe the tree surgery operation — species, location, access, proximity to public and overhead lines. We generate a fully written, UK-compliant arborist risk assessment referencing AFAG and HSE guidance in minutes.
Used by arborists, tree surgeons and groundscare contractors across the UK
🌳 Working near overhead power lines, roads or properties? Mention it — we’ll include exclusion zones, public safety controls, electrical clearance distances and the relevant AFAG guidance.
Legal Requirements for Tree Surgery
Tree surgery is consistently ranked by the HSE as one of the highest-risk occupations in the UK, with chainsaw work, working at height, falling wood and proximity to the public all contributing to a high rate of serious injuries. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before any tree surgery operation.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to any climbing operation, aerial rescue or work from an elevated work platform. For chainsaw operations, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) requires that operators are competent (typically evidenced by NPTC/Lantra qualifications) and that the equipment is maintained and fit for purpose.
The Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) — a joint body including the HSE, Forestry Commission and industry bodies — publishes specific guidance for tree surgery operations. AFAG 501 (Chainsaws and cross-cutting), AFAG 701 (Arboriculture) and related documents set the standard for safe working practice that the HSE expects to be reflected in risk assessments.
How It Works
1. Describe the Job
Tell us the species, operation (felling, pruning, stump removal, crown reduction), location, public proximity, overhead lines, and access method (climbing, MEWP, groundwork only).
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written arborist risk assessment referencing AFAG guidance, Work at Height Regulations 2005, and chainsaw-specific controls.
3. Instant Download and Use
Download as PDF and Word. Present to the client, use for briefing your crew, or produce it for an HSE inspection. £29, no subscription.
What It Covers
Every tree surgery risk assessment is written in full — covering the full scope of the operation and relevant AFAG guidance.
Chainsaw operation and maintenance (AFAG guidance)
Falling branch and debris control zones
Working at height: climbing, aerial rescue, MEWP use
Proximity to overhead power lines — electrical clearance distances
Public exclusion zones and pedestrian/traffic management
Manual handling of heavy logs and equipment
Lone working and emergency rescue procedures
Noise and vibration (HAVs) from chainsaw use
PPE requirements: helmet, visor, chainsaw trousers, gloves
Stump grinding: underground services, debris projection
Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and planning consent
Adverse weather — wind speed limits for climbing and felling
Works For
From domestic garden trees to large commercial or highway felling operations.
What Customers Say
“I’m a one-man band. Every client now asks for a risk assessment before I start. Anyrisks gives me something professional and compliant to hand over in minutes.”
Rob T.
Self-employed arborist, Kent
“We were doing a large felling job near a road. Anyrisks covered the exclusion zones, traffic management and overhead line clearance distances. Client accepted it on the spot.”
Mark H.
Tree surgery contractor, Shropshire
“HSE visited following a near-miss on a neighbouring site. Our Anyrisks assessments were the only documentation that was completely in order. Really glad we had them.”
Pete L.
Arboricultural company, Wales
Anyrisks vs DIY Templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| AFAG guidance referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Overhead power line clearance distances covered | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chainsaw-specific controls included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Specific to your species, operation and site | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover the AFAG and HSE guidance for arborists?
Yes — tree surgery assessments reference the relevant AFAG guidance documents (including chainsaw and arboricultural operations guidance) and HSE requirements for working at height and with power tools.
I’m working alone — is lone working covered?
Yes — mention that you’re working alone and we’ll include lone working controls: communication protocols, check-in procedures, emergency rescue planning and the specific risks of unassisted chainsaw work.
Does it cover the risk of working near overhead power lines?
Yes — mention proximity to overhead lines and we’ll include the HSE electrical clearance distances and the requirement to notify the network operator before work begins.
What if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
Flag this in your description. The assessment will note the TPO requirement for local authority consent before work starts. Note: Anyrisks produces the risk assessment document — you’ll need to obtain the planning consent separately.
Does it cover stump grinding?
Yes — describe the stump grinding operation and we’ll include underground services checks, debris projection controls, PPE requirements and public exclusion zone guidance.
How long does it take?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the tree surgery operation and Anyrisks produces a fully written, AFAG-referenced risk assessment instantly.