Search
Are you making critical tree decisions without being fully informed?
Get a quote
Get in touch with our Gristwood & Toms team
Request a quote from our certified arborists and ensure your site remains safe, compliant, and well cared for.
At Gristwood & Toms, we recognise that not all defects can be identified through visual inspection alone. Internal decay can compromise the host tree’s structural integrity and, if undetected, lead to avoidable risk. In many cases, well-intentioned decisions, whether to retain or remove valuable trees, are made without the quantifiable evidence.
Used to assess the extent of decay within subject trees, PiCUS technology enables our experienced consultants to map internal cavities, and structural defects which may not be visible through external inspection.
The process is minimally invasive and does not compromise the integrity of the tree, making it an ideal tool for sensitive sites, protected trees, and situations where preservation is preferred.
By generating colour coded, cross-sectional images of the stem and or scaffold limb/s, the technology may confirm or rule out structural concerns, and support proportionate, evidence-based tree management.
We recommend PiCUS tomography when:
• A Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) raises concern about a valuable specimen tree, but is inconclusive• A mature or protected tree may present risk to people, structures, or infrastructure• Clear evidence may be required for risk management, planning, or legal compliance justifications• There is a desire to retain a significant tree, but its structural integrity must be assured• Internal decay is suspected but cannot be confirmed through visual inspection, mallet sounding, or cavity probing
At Gristwood & Toms, we work in partnership with county councils, local authorities, developers, and commercial landowners to provide reliable, high-quality arboricultural reporting that supports safe, compliant and well-managed landscapes. Our reports are carried out by fully qualified and experienced consultants and align with the latest industry standards, giving clients the clarity they need to make informed decisions at every stage of a project.
Whether supporting planning applications, site development, or long-term risk management, we are trusted for our technical expertise, responsive service, and commitment to professional integrity. With a track record of success across sectors, we provide reports and recommendations which our clients can depend on to move forward with confidence.
Award winning and knowledgeable
Experienced in all aspects of tree and environmental health, our experienced consultants meet the highest recognised benchmarks in professional tree care and survey over 200,000 trees annually.
UK wide coverage, local expertise
With a commitment to minimal disruption, our nationwide team of tree surveyors offer expert, tailored services to maintain your site’s safety and compliance.
Rooted in sustainability
We utilise eco-friendly practices to ensure the long-term health and vitality of our green spaces. We prioritise environmentally responsible techniques that promote the sustainability of trees in urban and rural settings.
Certified for quality, safety and sustainability
With ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 accreditations, we consistently deliver excellence in quality management, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety.
Leading tree management technology
We are recognised as the UK’s largest user of the Ezytreev tree data capture and management portal showcasing expertise in tree management technology.
ARB approved contractor status
As an Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractor we demonstrate industry-leading standards in arboriculture.
“I would like to commend Gristwood and Toms for their outstanding service in maintaining Enfield’s tree stock to the highest standards. Their professionalism, expertise, and reliability have been evident in all aspects of their work, from cyclical pruning and emergency callouts to tree planting and felling.”
Andy Robinson, Principal Arboricultural Officer, Enfield Borough Council
“Working with Gristwood and Toms has been a straightforward and efficient process. Their expert approach to arboricultural services ensures the safety of our highways. Clear communication and timely execution of projects, make them an asset to our operations. ”
Paul, Contract Manager, Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd.
Delivering expert arboriculture and tree care services you can rely on.
Get in touch
Effortless
Contact our expert team of arborists
Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your needs, and we will guide you through the next steps.
Receive a site visit
Fill out the booking form and email it back to us, and we’ll schedule your survey and get started right away.
Receive a report
Once your survey is complete, we will compile your report and transfer the document to you in whichever format suits your needs.
Gristwood & Toms has been a leader in UK arboriculture since 1974, delivering expert tree care with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and long-term landscape stewardship. As part of the Nurture Group, we support a broad client base, including local authorities, estates, infrastructure managers, and commercial landowners, with specialist consultancy and diagnostic services tailored to complex tree management challenges.
PiCUS testing can be commissioned as a standalone service or in conjunction with Visual Tree Assessments or wider arboricultural consultancy. This service is particularly valuable where tree significance is high, risk must be managed carefully, or a second opinion is needed to justify action.
From duty of care assessments to planning support, our team brings clarity to complex decisions, ensuring trees are preserved where possible and managed responsibly where necessary.
