QTRA Tree Risk Assessments in Devon: Our Surveyor Is Now a Registered QTRA User

At DTG Tree Consultancy, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality, accuracy and reliability of the advice we provide to our clients. That’s why we’re pleased to say that our Lantra-qualified Professional Tree Surveyor is now a registered QTRA user, meaning Quantified Tree Risk Assessment can be offered as part of our tree survey services where appropriate.

This is an important step forward for our consultancy work across Devon and reflects our commitment to evidence-based decision making, professional standards and balanced outcomes for both people and trees.

But what does QTRA actually mean in practice, and why does it matter if you’re commissioning a tree survey?

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What Is QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment)?

QTRA is a structured system used by professional arborists to assess tree risk in a clear, measurable way. Rather than relying on vague descriptions or overly cautious opinions, QTRA breaks risk down into defined components and assigns a realistic level of risk based on evidence.

The system looks at three key factors:
• The likelihood of tree or branch failure
• The probability of a target being present
• The potential consequences if failure occurs

These factors are combined to produce a quantified risk level, allowing informed, proportionate decisions to be made. In simple terms, it replaces guesswork with data.

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Why Traditional Tree Risk Assessments Can Fall Short

In many cases, traditional tree risk assessments rely heavily on subjective language such as “low,” “medium,” or “high” risk. While this approach has its place, it can sometimes lead to confusion, disagreement or overly cautious recommendations.

This can result in:
• Unnecessary tree removal or excessive pruning
• Higher costs for landowners and managing agents
• Difficulty justifying decisions to local authorities or insurers
• Loss of valuable, healthy trees

QTRA provides a more transparent alternative by clearly demonstrating how and why a particular risk level has been reached.

How QTRA Benefits Our Clients

With our Lantra-qualified Professional Tree Surveyor and registered QTRA user on the team, DTG Tree Consultancy can now offer clients a higher level of clarity and confidence when commissioning tree surveys.

Clear, Defensible Decisions

QTRA assessments are based on measurable data rather than opinion. This makes recommendations easier to understand, defend and justify, particularly in sensitive situations involving mature trees or public safety.

Reduced Unnecessary Tree Works

Because risks are properly quantified, QTRA often shows that some trees present a far lower level of risk than initially assumed. This helps avoid unnecessary removals and preserves trees wherever possible.

Stronger Support for Local Authorities and Insurers

For planning applications, insurance matters or liability concerns, QTRA provides a robust framework that stands up well to scrutiny. It offers confidence that decisions are proportionate and professionally justified.

Balanced Outcomes

QTRA supports sensible decision making that balances safety, cost and tree retention. This is especially valuable for developers, managing agents and landowners responsible for multiple sites.

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Who QTRA Tree Surveys Are Ideal For

Our QTRA-based tree surveys are particularly beneficial for:
• Homeowners with mature or high-value trees
• Landowners managing large or rural sites
• Developers preparing planning applications
• Managing agents and facilities managers
• Commercial property owners
• Sites with public access or occupancy

In each case, QTRA helps ensure that decisions are appropriate, justified and aligned with real levels of risk, not fear or assumption.

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QTRA as Part of Our Professional Tree Survey Service

It’s important to note that QTRA is not applied blindly or unnecessarily. At DTG Tree Consultancy, we use QTRA where it is appropriate and beneficial to the client and the site.

Our tree surveys typically include:
• Professional arboricultural inspection
• Assessment of tree health, structure and defects
• Identification of hazards and constraints
• Clear recommendations for management or works
• QTRA risk assessment where proportionate
• Practical, easy-to-understand reporting

This approach ensures that every client receives a survey that is tailored to their needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.

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Local Expertise Across Devon

DTG Tree Consultancy provide professional tree surveys and consultancy services across:
Dawlish, Teignmouth, Exeter and South Devon.

Our local knowledge, combined with our surveyor’s QTRA registration, allows us to deliver surveys that are not only technically robust but also realistic, practical and grounded in real-world site conditions.

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Clarity Instead of Caution for Caution’s Sake

Tree management decisions can have long-lasting impacts: on safety, finances, planning outcomes and the environment. With QTRA, our goal is simple: clarity instead of unnecessary caution.

If you’re commissioning a tree survey and want confidence that recommendations are proportionate, professional and evidence-based, DTG Tree Consultancy are here to help.

Get in touch to discuss your requirements and find out whether a QTRA-based assessment is right for your site.

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Related services: find out more about our tree surveys and tree services, or get in touch with the team.