Tree Surveys for Planning

There are a number of individual documents that local authorities could ask for as part of the BS5837 tree survey and arboricultural report.

The types of tree report that Local Authorities may request are listed below.

Please read the summaries and follow the links for more information.

Tree Surveys for Planning and Development

Tree surveys for planning applications are required where trees are within influencing distance of the development proposals. When building near trees, Local Authorities insist upon a professional tree survey to British Standard 5837 : (2012), or BS5837. This is a standardised assessment of the constraints imposed by trees at your property or development site. We are specialists in undertaking BS5837 tree surveys for planning purposes. Our tree reports will advise how to maximise the development potential of your site whilst being tailored to meet the needs of your local Planning Department and Tree Officer.

Download our Trees & Architecture – a guide to designing with trees (PDF)

The types of tree report that Local Authorities may request are listed below. Please follow the links for more information:

Tree Survey for Planning to BS 5837 : (2012)

The purpose of BS5837 tree surveys for planning, and associated reports, are to identify the quality of trees on the site and where their canopies and roots extend. The area the roots extend into is called the root protection area or root protection zone. A Tree Constraints Plan helps to inform where development can proceed without impacting amenity trees and identifies which trees should be retained and which could be removed.

Find out more

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

This follows on from the BS5837 Tree Survey for planning. We offer a consultancy service to help you maximise the potential of your site without impacting on trees (which would risk a planning refusal). We advise on the impact on retained trees, taking into account future growth and the impact of shade. We identify potential conflicts that the local authority planning department are likely to have issues with and offer solutions to increase your chance of a successful planning application.

Find out more

Arboricultural Method Statement

Once the design proposals are finalised, this type of report advises how to ensure that retained trees are not damaged during construction. The majority of planning applications will require an Arboricultural Method Statement as part of the tree survey for planning if trees are located nearby.

Find out more

Ecological Surveys

This type of tree survey for planning purposes examines existing habitats and identifies any protected species that may be present. Mitigation solutions are recommended wherever conflict arises.

Find out more

Tree Survey FAQs

Qualifications and Credentials

"Excellent company to work with. Ivan was very professional and detailed in his survey, giving helpful recommendations and insight in to what would be needed in the Arboricultural Tree Impact report. Emma was very helpful and fast to respond with the report that we need for a planning application. The report was excellent and very detail. Would definitely recommend and work with them again. 10/10 guys."

Kevin Walker, 15/1/18, Submitted to Google

"Very professional company and Emma Hoyle was very knowledgeable. We received regular updates without prompting which appears to be very rare nowadays. Would recommend them without hesitation. With their help we also obtained the result we were looking for with regard to our tree enquiry which is always a bonus. Great!"

Alan Rathbone, 01/08/18, Submitted to Google

"I have been extremely pleased working with Crown Trees. Emma Hoyle was my consultant and I have to say she is major asset to their business, an absolute joy to work with, quick and reliable. I definitely will be using Crown Trees in the future."

Core Gym, 20/02/18, Submitted to Google