Bridging the gap between practical arboriculture and independent consultancy.
Ecovo exists to help people make informed decisions about trees through clear, balanced and independent arboricultural advice. Every recommendation is shaped by professional expertise, practical experience and an understanding that no two trees, sites or clients are ever the same.
Based in Surrey, we work regularly across Surrey, Berkshire, West Sussex and Hampshire, while supporting clients on projects throughout the UK.
The decisions we make about trees can have lasting consequences.
Whether managing risk, protecting mature landscapes, supporting development or planning for future generations, those decisions deserve advice that is objective, proportionate and grounded in both science and practical experience.
Ecovo was established to provide exactly that. The consultancy was founded on the belief that the best arboricultural advice comes from combining technical expertise with real world understanding. While practical tree management and consultancy have often developed along separate paths, we believe the strongest recommendations are those informed by both.
Every assessment considers the complete picture, balancing tree biology, risk, legislation, environmental value and the practical objectives of each individual client. Rather than approaching every project with a predetermined outcome, we assess every tree on its own merits, ensuring our recommendations are proportionate, evidence-based and tailored to the circumstances.
The result is advice that is technically robust, practical to implement and focused on helping clients make informed decisions with confidence.
Independence sits at the heart of everything we do.
Our role is not to recommend unnecessary work, nor to preserve trees regardless of circumstance.
Instead, we provide impartial advice that considers the condition of the tree, the objectives of the client and the wider environment in which decisions are being made.
Whether the appropriate recommendation is retention, management or removal, our advice is always based on professional judgement and the available evidence.
Different clients. The same need for clear, independent advice.
Ecovo works with a diverse range of clients across the UK, providing consultancy tailored to the specific objectives of each site and project.
Schools and Educational Establishments
Helping schools, colleges and universities manage their tree stock responsibly while balancing safety, safeguarding, legal compliance and the long-term value of their landscapes.
Homeowners
Providing independent advice on mature trees, tree health, planning constraints, neighbour disputes and long-term management, giving homeowners the confidence to make informed decisions about their trees.
Estates and Landowners
Supporting the long-term management of trees and woodland by balancing safety, biodiversity, landscape value and the practical needs of estate management.
Developers and Architects
Providing BS 5837 surveys and arboricultural consultancy to support planning applications, sustainable site design and the successful integration of existing trees into new developments.
Businesses and Property Managers
Helping organisations meet their duty of care through practical tree risk management, inspection programmes and long-term maintenance strategies that protect both people and property.
Local Authorities
Supporting local authorities with independent arboricultural advice that balances public safety, environmental responsibility, planning considerations and the long-term management of public tree assets.
Thoughtful tree management matters more with every passing year.
As our towns, cities and landscapes continue to evolve, the importance of thoughtful tree management continues to grow.
Ecovo exists to help clients navigate those decisions with clarity, confidence and a long-term perspective, ensuring that today's choices continue to benefit both people and the environment for years to come.
Al Buchanan
Founder and Lead Arboricultural Consultant
- First Class BSc (Hons) Arboriculture and Urban Forestry
- AA Professional Member
- VALID and QTRA Trained
Ecovo was founded by Al Buchanan after recognising a gap between practical arboriculture and independent consultancy. Years of working closely with clients highlighted that many decisions required objective, impartial advice before any tree work was considered. Rather than focusing on a predetermined outcome, Ecovo was established to provide balanced, evidence-based consultancy that helps clients understand their options and make informed decisions with confidence.
Every survey undertaken on behalf of Ecovo is completed by professionally qualified surveyors, ensuring clients receive clear, reliable and technically robust advice delivered to the highest professional standards.
View our professional credentials →Let's start the conversation.
Whether you need advice on a single tree, support with a development project or ongoing consultancy for a larger estate, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Discuss your project →