Confirm the report answers the brief
Check the site, client, inspection date and purpose against the agreed scope. A report prepared for maintenance planning may not contain the evidence required for a different development decision. Explain the inspection method and limitations, including inaccessible areas or information supplied by others. Confirm who is responsible for reviewing the professional conclusions.
Follow one tree through the whole document
Choose T007 as a sample. Find its map location, schedule entry, photographs, observations and recommendations. Check that the identifier is consistent and that the recommendation follows from the recorded assessment. Repeat this check for records affected by late edits or changed numbering. Sampling is useful, but it does not replace review of each recommendation that will be issued.
Check measurements and references
- Are units stated consistently for diameter, height and crown spread?
- Are estimates and missing values distinguishable from measured values?
- Do photographs and captions refer to the correct tree?
- Are referenced plans identified by version or date?
- Are maps readable at the intended print size?
Make the actions understandable
Keep the observation, interpretation and recommended action distinguishable. If priorities are used, explain what they mean for this project. Identify follow-up or further investigation where needed. Avoid presenting a generic priority label as a promise that a tree will remain safe until a particular date.
Check the exported file, not only the editor
- Open the PDF on a second screen or device.
- Inspect page breaks, tables, map legends and image captions.
- Check organisation branding and client details.
- Confirm the final file name identifies the project and version.
- Archive the issued document with its supporting project records.
If a correction is needed after issue, keep the earlier version and clearly identify the replacement. A recipient should know which document to rely on and what changed. Agree the delivery format and any privacy restrictions before sharing a client package.
Discuss arborist reports with Sorbus or explore Canopy's reporting workflow.
For delivery and follow-up, use the survey handover checklist, management action register and completion evidence guide.
Prepared by Canopy.