BS5837 Tree Survey & Report
Without the right paperwork, trees can be a real problem when securing planning consent. If there are trees on or near a proposed development, your planning application will need a BS:5837:2012 tree survey. Without one, councils may refuse to validate your planning applications which could seriously delay your project.
At AWA Tree Consultants, we carry out BS5837 tree surveys tailored to meet our client's needs, those of the tree officer and your local planning department. Our BS:5837 surveys provide the information councils want in clear reports that maximise the chances of planning success – avoiding unnecessary delays.
More often than not, BS5837 tree surveys and tree constraints plan drawings are required for most planning applications where trees are on or adjacent to your site. At AWA Trees, we’re here to make this process as straightforward as possible.
How Do Our BS5837 Tree Surveys Work?
So, how do our BS5837 tree surveys work? First things first, our team of tree experts will arrange a site visit to carry out the tree survey and discuss the site and scope of the project with you. As part of this survey, our team of professionals will carefully inspect and survey all the trees, accurately plotting them and recording the necessary information using the latest technology to record this data.
This includes:
- Crown spreads
- Root protection areas
- Site photos
- Assigning the trees categories (from highest to lowest value)
Then, back at the office we process this information to create expert tree reports and tree constraints plans. These documents help clients easily identify which trees are worth preserving, adding value to a development and which trees can be removed to maximise available space. This ensures a solid foundation for a successful planning application.
What Does a BS5837 Tree Survey Include?
At AWA Tree Consultants, our standard BS5837 tree survey incorporates the following:
Tree Constraints Plan
Our tree constraints plan utilises our tree survey data to offer a precise, clear plan that is invaluable when designing a new development. It enables clients to easily discern which trees should be preserved to enhance the development's value and which trees can be removed to maximise available space.
Using the data collected during the BS5837 tree survey, our tree constraint plan:
- Accurately depicts the positions of the trees, with crown spreads measured at the four compass points to create a realistic shape.
- Includes root protection areas to indicate any below-ground constraints that trees may pose.
The trees on the constraints plan are colour-coded so that it’s easier to identify the higher-value trees that are preferable to retain and the lower-value trees that could be removed if they obstruct development. Additionally, when beneficial, we include a likely shade plan to illustrate the shadow patterns from the trees throughout the main parts of the day.
At AWA Tree Consultants, all of our plans are drawn using AutoCAD software. They are plotted directly onto a topographical site survey, or if such a survey is unavailable, our enhanced GPS survey equipment can plot trees directly onto OS base layers with sub-1m accuracy. These CAD format plans enable our clients and their architects to seamlessly overlay our plans with their design drawings, facilitating easy collaboration. We also utilise drones to capture site overviews and aerial imagery to inform the tree constraints plans when necessary.
Overall, the tree constraints plan provides essential baseline information that is crucial for the review and development of various project components, including layout, architecturally, engineering and landscape drawings.
Tree Data Schedule
When collecting the tree data schedule information, we utilise the latest technology. This includes advanced laser distance metres which allow us to take quick and accurate tree measurements, even from inaccessible places.
All the trees within the data schedule will have a BS5837 retention category, which is an assessment of the quality or value of the tree. Higher-quality trees present greater constraints to development, while lower-quality trees present fewer constraints. Arguably, BS5837 retention categories are the most important piece of data to you.
Below, we provide a simplified overview of the BS5837 retention categories:
Cat A – Retention Category A Trees
Category A are the high-value, most important trees. Normally, these trees will be particularly good specimens with a remaining useful contribution of at least 40 years.
Cat B – Retention Category B Trees
Category B trees are of moderate value. They are healthy trees that generally offer good amenity value and have a life expectancy of at least 20 years.
Cat C – Retention Category C Trees
These trees are low quality trees that shouldn't get in the way of any new development. They need a useful remaining amenity contribution of at least 10 years.
Cat U - Retention Category U Trees
Category U trees are deemed unsuitable to retain. Typically, these trees are in such poor condition that they are not expected to survive for the next 10 years.
Report Body
Our clear and concise tree report will discuss the results of the tree survey, providing an overview of the main tree related issues with regards to potential site development. It will also give advice on removal, retention and management options for the trees.
Our report utilises photographs to give a better understanding of the tree cover and cross-references these with the tree data schedule and the tree constraints plan.
What is included:
- Summary of the general nature and condition of the tree stock surveyed
- Overview of the site
- Easy-to-understand overview of the tree survey schedule and site’s development potential
- Advice surrounding any key trees suitable for retention and their potential constraints
- Design considerations
- Outline of the trees that do not significantly constrain the site's development potential
- Guidance on any legal constraints to the site’s trees (checking with LPA to see if the trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation Areas.)
- Overview of any areas of Ancient Woodland, catalogued veteran or ancient trees on or nearby the site and advice on issues regarding legally protected species and trees
- Initial arboricultural development advice detailing the importance of retaining and protecting high-quality trees and providing justification for the removal of lower-value trees.
- Advice surrounding the construction of new buildings or hard surfacing, when required within the RPA of retained trees. This advice considers tree crown positions in relation to any new development in relation to shade, future tree growth and possible future nuisance issues.
At AWA Trees, our objective is to guide the design layout to ensure that buildings and important trees can coexist sustainably while complying with national and local planning policies. This involves careful planning and consideration of both the natural and built environments to create a harmonious and balanced development.
The Next Step
The BS5837 tree survey and report enables architects to design around the tree constraints and minimise any conflicts which can be further identified and addressed when the project design has progressed within an Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Impacts Plan.
Why Choose AWA Trees?
BS5837 Tree Surveys at AWA Tree Consultants
Ready to ensure your project meets regulatory requirements and maximises the benefits of existing trees? Get in touch with AWA Tree Consultants today for expert BS5837 tree surveys and comprehensive arboricultural support.
Contact our team of experts today on 0114 2721124 and we’ll send you a free quote within 24 hours.
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