BS5837 Tree Surveys
Expert Arboricultural Surveys for Planning
What is a BS5837 Tree Survey?
A BS5837 tree survey is a formal assessment required by local planning authorities when you are looking to develop land that contains or is directly adjacent to trees.
It follows the national British Standard (BS 5837:2012) for managing trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction. The survey provides your architectural team with the precise measurements, constraints, and tree categorisations they need to design a fully compliant site layout.
Why is a BS5837 Survey Required?
Failing to provide a BS5837 compliant survey with your planning application is one of the most common reasons for immediate refusal or significant delays in the planning process.
Local councils have a strict statutory duty to protect trees. They require clear, professional evidence from a qualified arboriculturist that your proposed development will not cause unacceptable harm to the local canopy cover or vital root systems.
What is Included in a BS5837 Survey?
We supply the foundational data and professional reporting required to navigate the planning system successfully. A standard BS5837 survey package includes:
- Site Visit & Data Collection A thorough on-site assessment recording species, height, crown spread, stem diameter, and overall physiological health.
- Tree Categorisation Grading each tree from A to U to highlight its quality and inform your design team of its retention value.
- Root Protection Areas (RPAs) Accurately calculating the essential rooting volume required to keep each retained tree alive and structurally stable during and after construction.
- Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) A professional AutoCAD drawing mapping the trees, their canopies, and their RPAs directly onto your topographical survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions we receive regarding BS5837 Tree Surveys.
Do I always need a BS5837 survey for my planning application?
If there are trees on your site, or overhanging from a neighbour's garden, the council will almost certainly request a BS5837 survey to validate your application. It proves you have factored the trees into your design.
Can I do the tree survey myself?
No. Local planning authorities require these surveys to be carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced arboriculturist. This ensures the data meets the strict guidelines and complex calculations outlined in the British Standard.
What happens if a tree is categorised as low quality?
Low quality or 'Category C' trees should not usually pose a significant constraint to development. They can often be removed if necessary to facilitate your build, provided this is agreed with the planning authority in advance.
How long does the BS5837 process take?
We typically complete the initial site visit within a few working days. Once we have gathered the data and received your topographical plans, the Tree Constraints Plan and Report are usually ready for your architect within 3 to 5 days.
Let's discuss your project
Contact Canopy IQ today for intelligent tree solutions and expert arboricultural advice across Kent, East London, South East London, and beyond.
Whether you need a BS5837 Tree Survey to support your planning application, or expert advice on managing site constraints, our experienced team is here to help.