A BS 5837 tree survey is necessary when your development has the potential to impact trees. This is the first step relating to identifying arboricultural constraints and opportunities in relation to your planning application.
We aim to visits sites within 5-10 days of appointment.
Price will vary depending on size/scope.
A tree survey will be requested by your local planning authority whenever trees have the potential to be impacted by future development. Our experienced and reliable surveyors undertake tree surveys nationwide under the guidance of British Standard 5837 (Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations).
During the survey, a highly detailed schedule of information will be collected about the site’s trees, including the species present, their crown spreads, stem diameters, remaining life expectancy, physiological condition and structural condition. Offsite trees that have the potential to be impacted are also surveyed. We will assign each tree to a BS 5837 category (more detail provided below) and will tailor specific management recommendations for individual trees, where appropriate. The data can be plotted onto a topographical site survey or licensed OS map using specialist, hand-held GPS equipment.
Following the survey, the tree data will be presented in a tree constraints plan, which clearly shows the tree locations, categories, crown spreads, shading arcs and root protection areas. Crucially, we share this constraints plan with your design team in CAD format, to help inform the layout and highlight any arboricultural constraints. We have experience working on a diverse range of projects, including small and large-scale residential and commercial planning applications, and our consultants will help you to understand the arboricultural constraints and opportunities presented by the site. We will offer professional advice during the design process and provide consultation on the emerging layout.
Typically, your local planning authority will require an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) report to evaluate the relationship between the development and trees.
As part of a BS 5837 survey, trees will be assigned to one of four categories: Category A, Category B, Category C and Category U. This categorisation is one of the most important pieces of information collected during the survey, as it reflects the quality of trees onsite and their retention status.
