Arboricultural Impact Assessment

As part of your BS5837 tree survey report, your Local Authority planning department may require an arboricultural impact assessment (AIA), which is an evaluation of your proposed development on the existing trees.

At AWA Tree Consultants, we offer expert advice on any tree issues that could influence the outcome of your planning application. Our team of arboricultural specialists has assisted thousands of development projects, both large and small, in successfully navigating the planning process.

We provide timely guidance on any design adjustments and engineering solutions, helping you achieve your development goals while gaining the support of your local authority’s Tree Officer.

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How Do Our Arboricultural Impact Assessments Work?

As the foundation of the arboricultural impact assessment, we overlay your development proposals on the Tree Survey plan. This allows us to analyse all impacts on existing trees including any incursions into the Root Protection Areas (RPA) of retained trees.

From here, we can advise on the layout to ensure that your development goals are met while successfully incorporating the better value trees that will add value to the development.

The final layout is then evaluated in terms of any direct and indirect tree impacts, and we provide recommendations for any suitable mitigation where required. This information is provided in a clear illustrative plan and cross referenced within a written arboricultural impact assessment report.

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What Is Included In An Arboricultural Impact Assessment?

At AWA Tree Consultants, a range of issues are investigated and evaluated within your impact assessment (as part of the BS5837 tree survey and report), these could include the following:

Direct Impacts: Pruning or Removing Trees

Our tree impacts plan clearly identifies trees for retention, removal and pruning, with detailed work recommendations provided for each. Our tree experts evaluate the impact of any tree losses, suggest mitigation and ensure all work adheres to BS3998: 2010 Recommendations for appropriate and unambiguous pruning.

Indirect Impacts: Building Near Trees

At AWA Trees, we assess the indirect impacts of development on surrounding trees, including site access, working space and material storage. Our expertise ensures practical and straightforward solutions whilst addressing real-life challenges of building near trees.

Removal of Existing Structures & Hard Surfacing

Our arboricultural impact assessments ensure that the demolition of existing structures and hard surfacing on development sites is planned without negatively impacting retained trees. We evaluate the proximity of trees to demolition areas, assess ground protection needs and recommend facilitation pruning as necessary.

Foundations

It’s best to place foundations outside the Root Protection Areas (RPAs) of trees. If building within RPAs is essential, special foundation designs such as mini-piles or cantilevered foundations can be used. Our professionals can provide practical advice on the feasibility of these solutions for successful planning.

Road & Drive Construction Over Tree Roots

Construction of hard surfaces within Root Protection Areas (RPAs) can harm tree roots, however these impacts can be minimised. Our team can recommend the correct techniques, highlighting suitable methods or design adjustments to protect the trees while allowing the project to proceed.

Ground Compaction

Soil compaction can significantly impact tree growth and survival. We implement design tweaks and engineered solutions to ensure adequate uncompacted soil space for trees, whilst providing stability for roads and paved surfaces.

Installation of Underground & Over-Ground Services

New developments must consider the placement of drainage, underground utilities and above-ground services in relation to retained trees. We advise keeping utilities outside Root Protection Areas (RPAs) and away from tree crowns and will recommend specialist methods where necessary to keep your project on track.

Tree Shade & Future Growth Potential

We weigh up the impact of retained tree crowns on new structures, including potential tree shade. Our bespoke arboricultural impact assessment considers the benefits of dappled shade and the growth characteristics of tree species, ensuring designs avoid excessive light obstruction while accommodating future tree growth.

Next Steps

Once the arboricultural impact assessment has been carried out, and planning permission has been granted, the LPA may condition an arboricultural method statement with a tree protection plan, which covers the following:

Alignment of utility apparatus (including drainage), where outside the RPA or where installed using a trenchless method
Dimensioned tree protection plan - detailed schedule of works to retained trees (e.g. access facilitation pruning)
Detailed hard and soft landscape design
Arboricultural site monitoring schedule
Tree and landscape management plan
Post-construction remedial works
Landscape maintenance schedule
Precise location of protective barriers and specification of protective fencing
Extent and type of ground protection
Locations of construction exclusion zones
Site specific demolition and hard surface removal specifications
Service routes
Works access space
Material/machinery/waste storage and permanent & temporary hard surfaces,
Site specific construction specifications in connection with foundations, bridging, surfacing near to trees
Access arrangements and car parking
Details of any arboricultural supervision

Why Choose AWA Trees?

Here are some reasons our clients consistently choose us:

Experience

We’ve successfully helped hundreds of clients with tree-related issues, with much of our work coming from repeat clients.

Fast Surveys

We provide speedy arboricultural impact assessments to meet urgent project timelines or fast turnaround needs.

Expertise

With over 20 years of experience and high-level qualifications, our knowledge spans tree biology and planning and development sectors.

Relationships

We prioritise building strong relationships with clients and LPA tree officers to ensure smooth design adjustments and ongoing consultancy support.

Value For Money

We offer high-quality services using the latest technology at very competitive prices.

Arboricultural Impact Assessments At AWA Tree Consultants

Are you ready to ensure the success of your development project whilst protecting valuable trees? Contact our team today to schedule an arboricultural impact assessment and receive expert advice tailored to your needs.

Our team of experts is here to provide efficient and effective assessments to help you navigate the planning process smoothly. Get in touch now to start the conversation.

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Arboricultural Impact Assessment FAQs

What Is An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?

An arboricultural impact assessment (AIA), is an evaluation of your proposed development on the existing trees, both directly via tree removals and pruning, and indirectly through factors such as: Incursion into rooting zones or shade and nuisance issues from the trees to new developments

When Is An Arboricultural Impact Assessment Required?

The arboricultural impact assessment is carried out after the following: Tree Survey & Tree Constraints Plan. Development proposal draft available. It is generally required with most planning applications as it allows the LPA tree officer to make sure the development has fully considered the site's trees and any potential negative impacts have been mitigated for.

How Long Does An Arboricultural Impact Assessment Take?

The arboricultural impact assessment is undertaken after the tree survey and baseline bs5837 report has been undertaken. As such it’s a desk-based exercise that can be completed quickly by our team of tree experts.

Why Is An Arboricultural Impact Assessment Important?

It is unlikely that the council will grant you planning approval unless the impacts of your development have been fully evaluated by a professional arboriculturist as part of a detailed impact assessment. Not providing this as part of your application could lead to costly delays to your project.