We are client focussed, commercially realistic, efficient, approachable, dedicated.
Forbes-Laird Arboricultural Consultancy (FLAC) is a small professional practice working throughout the UK and overseas. We cover all aspects of arboriculture though specialize in planning, tree safety and litigation-related matters.
Principal Consultant Julian Forbes-Laird is a Chartered Arboriculturist, Arboricultural Association Registered Consultant and an experienced Expert Witness.
JFL is also:
- Technical editor for BS5837(2010) ‘Trees in Relation to Construction – Recommendations’
- Senior technical editor for BS8516 ‘Recommendations for Tree Safety Inspection’
- Special adviser to Network Rail on tree risk management
- Member of the Expert Witness Institute
- Member of the peer review panel of the Arboricultural Journal
- Member of the ‘Expert Advisers in Planning Services’ panel, advising various government-related planning bodies including the Planning Inspectorate
JFL (as he is widely known) is supported by a small team of six regionally based consultants, giving FLAC truly national reach. All technical staff are qualified to NQF Level 6 (equivalent degree level qualification) or higher. Click here to download company profile & JFL’s CV.
JFL is a widely published and well-known figure on the arboricultural lecture circuit. Recent publications/lectures have covered:
- Tree hazard assessment
- Monographs on wood decay fungi (Meripilus giganteus and Perenniporia fraxinea – click here to download them)
- Defending local authority trees from spurious subsidence claims
- Best practice in implementing BS5837:2005 ‘Trees in Relation to Construction – Recommendations)’
- Identifying suitable crown reduction points in mature trees
- Preparing for and giving evidence at Public Local Inquiries
- ‘Liability for death or injury caused by falling trees or branches: A review of the present position under English law’