Independent Arboricultural Advice

Built on Over 30 Years of Professional Experience​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Arboricultural Insights is an independent arboricultural consultancy led by Colin Horton, providing clear, practical and defensible advice on trees across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

 

Following an undergraduate honours degree in Ecological Science at the University of Edinburgh, Colin went on to postgraduate studies in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry at the University of Central Lancashire.  The arboricultural knowledge and principles learnt have been applied in over 30 years of professional experience - across local government, consultancy, and applied arboriculture - and kept updated through membership of professional bodies and continuing professional development.

 

Ensuring our knowledge and advice reflects the practices of today rather than the distant past, Arboricultural Insights brings a depth of experience that allows us to understand quickly the real issues on a site - supporting clients with proportionate, realistic solutions that work in practice and are trusted by planners, professional teams and private clients alike.

 

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Experience That Comes From Doing the Work

We have worked on a wide variety of projects, from small domestic developments to complex, multi-phase sites. This hands-on experience means our advice is grounded in what actually works in practice — not just what looks good on paper.

 

Our work regularly includes:

• BS5837 tree surveys, impact assessments and constraints plans

• Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans

• Pre-application advice and support through planning

• Tree risk assessment and management

• Site supervision and monitoring

• Advice for disputes, insurance matters and third-party concerns

• Support to architects, planners and solicitors

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A Direct, Planning-Savvy Approach

Having spent many years working with local planning authorities, consultants and project teams, we understand how arboricultural advice is interpreted and challenged within the planning system. Our aim is to make the process clearer and more straightforward for our clients.

 

We focus on:

• Early identification of constraints and opportunities

• Clear, well-reasoned recommendations

• Practical solutions that can be built and managed

• Calm, professional communication with all parties

 

This approach helps reduce unnecessary delays and provides confidence that arboricultural matters are being handled properly from the outset.

 

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Independent, Honest Advice

As an independent consultancy, we are able to provide impartial professional opinions based solely on what is appropriate for the trees, the site and the client’s objectives. We are not tied to contracting operations, which allows us to remain objective — particularly important where advice may be scrutinised by planners, inspectors or third parties.

 

Clients value our straightforward, honest approach and our willingness to explain options clearly, including where compromises or difficult decisions are required.

 

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Who We Work With

We work directly with:

• Developers and landowners

• Architects and design teams

• Planning consultants

• Solicitors and insurers

• Local authorities

• Private homeowners

 

Much of our work comes from repeat clients and professional referrals, reflecting long-term working relationships built on trust, consistency and sound professional judgement.​

 

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Our Ethos

At the heart of the practice is a simple principle: provide advice that is technically sound, commercially realistic and professionally defensible — while treating every project, large or small, with the same level of care and attention.

 

We take pride in offering a personal, responsive service backed by decades of experience and a genuine commitment to high professional standards.