Tree surveys and arboricultural reports for planning

BS 5837 is the British Standard that sets out how trees are surveyed and taken into account when a site is designed, demolished and built on. Councils expect a tree survey to follow it when trees could be affected by a development.

Often, yes. Many councils ask for a tree survey when there are trees on or next to a site that building work could affect, and some ask for more, such as an impact assessment or a tree protection plan. Each council publishes its own list of what it needs. Send us the address and the plans and we will tell you what yours is likely to ask for.

For each tree or group of trees, the survey records the species, height, trunk diameter, crown spread, age class, condition and how long it is likely to last. Each tree is then placed in a category:

• Category A: high quality, worth keeping.
• Category B: moderate quality.
• Category C: low quality.
• Category U: in such poor condition that it is not worth keeping.

The survey also works out the root protection area for each tree, which is the ground that needs protecting during building work.

An arboricultural impact assessment (AIA) compares your proposed layout with the tree survey. It sets out which trees would be removed or affected, how serious that is and what can be done about it. It is often followed by a tree protection plan, which shows the protective fencing and ground protection, and an arboricultural method statement, which explains how work near the trees will be done.

A tree can be protected by a tree preservation order (TPO), or because it stands in a conservation area. The council holds the records, and we can check them for you.

Cutting down or pruning a tree with a TPO normally needs the council's consent first, and doing it without consent can lead to prosecution. In a conservation area you normally have to give the council six weeks' written notice before work on a tree. Dead and dangerous trees have exemptions with their own rules, so ask before you act.

Yes. We can prepare the application or notice, with the supporting tree report where the council wants one, and explain what is being asked for and why.

A tree condition survey is an inspection of the trees on your land to find defects and judge the risk they pose to people and property. Owners of land with trees have a duty of care, and a record of regular inspections shows that the duty is being met. Where a tree needs a closer look or work, the report says so.

Yes. We prepare subsidence and mortgage tree reports when an insurer, lender or surveyor asks for the tree to be assessed. Tell us what you have been asked for and send any letters or reports you have received.

Yes. We carry out assessments under the Hedgerow Regulations, assess veteran and ancient trees, and prepare woodland management plans.

Sometimes. Trees with holes, cracks and loose bark can be used by roosting bats, and bats and their roosts are protected by law. Nesting birds are also protected, so work on trees and hedges is best avoided between about March and August unless they have been checked first.

Our sister company MyBatSurvey carries out bat surveys, including roost assessments of trees.

Contact us with the site address and what you plan to do. We will tell you which survey or report fits, and whether the trees raise any planning issue you should know about.