Planning Tree Surveys
Expert BS 5837 Surveys for Planning Applications
What is a Planning Tree Survey?
A planning tree survey is a specialist arboricultural assessment required by Local Planning Authorities when trees are present on or adjacent to a proposed development site. Conducted strictly to British Standard 5837:2012, it provides the essential data needed to validate your planning application.
The goal is to map the location, size, and condition of the trees so your architects can design a layout that works harmoniously with the site constraints. This ensures a smoother path through the planning process without unexpected delays or objections.
Why Do Councils Request a Tree Survey?
Local councils have a statutory duty to consider the protection of trees during the planning process. If your extension or new build has the potential to impact nearby trees, the planning officers will require detailed, professional evidence to show you have considered their retention.
Attempting to submit an application without a compliant planning tree survey frequently leads to requests for further information or outright refusals. Having the survey completed early provides certainty for your design team and the local authority.
What is Included in a Planning Tree Survey?
We provide the comprehensive reporting required to satisfy planning conditions. A standard planning tree survey includes:
- Tree Categorisation Professional grading of tree quality and retention value (A, B, C, U) to inform your architectural design.
- Constraint Mapping Clear identification of Root Protection Areas (RPAs) and canopy spreads to define where you can safely build.
- Tree Constraints Report (TCR) A detailed document containing all the raw arboricultural data collected during the site visit.
- AutoCAD Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) A visual map overlaying the tree constraints onto your existing site layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions regarding Planning Tree Surveys.
Do I need a tree survey for a small extension?
Yes, if there are trees on your property or close to the boundary on neighbouring land. Even small extensions require a BS 5837 survey if the construction activities or foundations could potentially encroach on tree root systems.
What happens if a tree is in the way of my proposed building?
The survey will categorise the tree based on its quality. While high-quality trees are heavily protected, lower-quality trees can sometimes be removed to facilitate development, provided it is justified correctly to the planning authority.
When is the best time to commission a planning tree survey?
You should ideally book the survey as soon as you have a topographical map of the site and before any architectural designs are drawn. This allows your architect to design around the root protection areas, saving you time and the cost of redesigns.
Does the survey cover Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)?
Yes. As part of our comprehensive service, we will check the local authority records to confirm if any trees on the site are protected by a TPO or are located within a Conservation Area.
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 Planning Tree Survey to support your application, or expert advice on managing site constraints, our experienced team is here to help.