Treework Engine: Redefining how we value and visualise tree data

The Treework Engine is a new capability developed and used exclusively by Treework Environmental Practice – giving every client access to a more powerful, transparent and defensible arboricultural service.

What is the Treework Engine?

The Treework Engine is a web application for urban tree assessment and valuation, built on more than 40 years of arboricultural expertise. It takes standard tree survey data – the same data we collect on every instruction – and transforms it into a comprehensive suite of outputs that go beyond a conventional tree survey report.

Developed in-house by our team, the Treework Engine draws on longitudinal data, peer-reviewed allometric research and established valuation methodologies to produce results that are spatially informed, technically rigorous and fully transparent in their calculation.

What does it do?

A single tool. A wide range of outputs.

The Treework Engine calculates and visualises:

• 3D crown modelling – interactive wireframe models showing crown spread, volume and clearance in three dimensions, with crown pruning visualisation
• CAVAT valuations – Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees calculated from stem cross-sectional area and adjustable unit value factors
• CO₂ sequestration – annual and lifetime carbon estimates using UK BEIS carbon pricing, currently set at £241 per tonne
• Ecosystem service valuations – configurable valuations based on canopy cover area
• Root protection areas – calculated in accordance with BS5837:2012 and Natural England Standing Advice
• 4D canopy growth projections – future crown development projected at 10-year intervals out to 50 years, using species-specific growth rates from Fennell & Fay (2024)
• Lonsdale Girth Chart integration – categorising trees by conservation significance from Locally Notable through to Ancient
• Tree age estimation – estimated age and planting year derived from stem diameter measurements
• Canopy cover modelling – population-level canopy projections accounting for useful life expectancy and species-specific growth caps

Results can be generated for a single tree or across an entire population of surveyed trees, with summary dashboards, species breakdowns and age and retention distributions produced automatically for integration into client reports.

All outputs are exportable as PDF reports or XLSX spreadsheets.

How we use it

Integrated into the Treework Work-Flow.

We are integrating the Treework Engine into projects as standard – meaning we have enhanced levels of analysis, 3D and 4D modelling and valuations available for every tree that we assess.

By connecting the Treework Engine directly to data in our MyTrees Tree Management software, the workflow is seamless. Survey data collected in the field flows directly into the Engine, producing a richer and more informative outputs.

This approach reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation. Where we see a need that existing tools do not meet, we build. The Treework Engine is the latest expression of that principle – and the most comprehensive tool of its kind that we are aware of in the arboricultural profession.

Future-proofed for BS5837

Already aligned with the forthcoming BS5837 update.

Canopy cover modelling is expected to become a formal requirement under the forthcoming revision to BS5837, the British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. The Treework Engine already incorporates a fully functional canopy cover modelling application, capable of projecting future canopy development at population level over a 50-year horizon.

This means our clients are not waiting for the profession to catch up. The capability is already embedded in our standard workflow, ready for the moment the new standard comes into force.

Who benefits?

Built for the decisions that matter.

The Treework Engine supports better decision-making for:

• Developers and architects – clear, quantified evidence of tree value and impact at the design stage
• Local authorities and planners – defensible, standardised valuations and canopy cover data to support planning decisions
• Housing associations and estate managers – population-level assessments with long-term growth and retention modelling
• Landowners and property managers – a transparent basis for understanding the capital asset value of trees on their land

The Treework Engine is exclusive to Treework Environmental Practice. It is not available as a standalone product or licensed to third parties. It is simply how we work – and how our clients benefit from four decades of expertise, made measurable.

To find out more or to instruct Treework Environmental Practice on your next project, please contact us.