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Aerial view of a leafy urban area with new development surveyed as part of BS5837.

BS5837 Tree Survey and Constraints Plan

For a successful planning application, BS5837 Tree Surveys and Tree Constraints Plans are essential and help ensure that trees and development harmoniously coexist.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH

CLEAR CONCISE REPORTS

15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

WE ARE EXPERIENCED ARBORICULTURE CONSULTANTS

BS5837 Tree Surveys.

At the core of BS5837:2012 is the initial walkover Tree Survey. The survey informs you of the retention value of your trees, and their above and below-ground constraints including root protection areas (RPA).

The
Tree Constraints Plan is produced as your trusted guide. It pinpoints areas of your site where development should be focussed without compromising the health of your trees or the amenity value of your home, development and the local area. 

For planning applications involving trees on or near your site (which may include those close by in a neighbours garden), BS5837 Tree Surveys and a precise tree constraints plan isn't just an option – it is an essential requirement for planning and successfully integrating trees into your development. 

Aerial plan view of a residential property boundary with trees identified during BS5837 Tree Survey.
Arboricultural Association logo representing Technical Membership and experience with Tree Surveys.
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Our approach to BS5837 Tree Surveys.

A BS5837 Tree Survey is typically a minimum requirement to validate your planning application. Our approach to BS5837 Tree Surveys is anything but the "minimum". 

We're not just Arboricultural Consultants; we're your strategic partners for BS5837 Tree Surveys.

#1

Appoint Us

Your Project Consultant.

Once your project enters our system and you've appointed us, your BS5837 Tree Survey is not just a task; it's the beginning of a partnership. You'll be introduced to your dedicated Arboricultural Consultant (your Project Consultant), and the linchpin of our commitment to a seamless journey.

What sets us apart?

Innovative solutions alongside direct, hands-on communication. Your Consultant is more than just a point of contact; they're your partner in every step. Building deeper relationships, addressing issues, and facilitating the process.

What's in our toolbox?

Certification, competence, and experience. Our team aren't just experts; they're innovative solution-seekers. With a proven track record, they guide you through even the most intricate projects.

Collaborative Coordination.

We're all about collaboration. Your dedicated Arboricultural Consultant will reach out to schedule your BS5837 Tree Survey, ensuring it aligns with your schedule - we know how busy life can be.

#2

Schedule a date for your BS5837 Tree Survey

We understand time is critical.

We understand that time is of the essence, and in most cases, we strive to visit your site within just 10 working days of your appointment. Need faster results? Just discuss this with us during our appointment.

Essential BS5837 Tree Survey 

Remember, a BS5837 Tree Survey isn't just a requirement; it's the key to unlocking your project's full potential and ensuring a successful planning approval from your local authority.

What happens on the day?

Our Arboricultural Consultant will first complete a point of work risk assessment (POWRA). The health and safety of our team is incredibly important. They will then walk the Site using GIS and GPS-enabled digital data capture to meticulously record tree data, making your report incredibly precise.

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Our process involves capturing GPS coordinates, identifying the species of each tree, measurements of above-ground constraints, including stem diameter, height, crown spreads, and a comprehensive assessment of each tree's condition. We then categorize them based on the four BS5837:2012 categories (A, B, C and U). We also provide shading arcs and root protection areas

Drone Surveys and Base maps.

While we take great effort to ensure trees are precisely plotted on-site, we normally require a topographical survey (aka "Topo survey") to produce a precise Tree Constraints Plan and ensure your trees are accurately positioned.  We can help provide one, just ask!

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We are aware that certain smaller projects may not have the budget or the requirement for that degree of precision so when budgets need a boost, our drones take flight. We capture high-resolution aerial imagery for use as a base map.

How long does a BS5837 Tree Survey take?

As for timing, it's a flexible. For most sites, a BS5837 Tree Survey is a one-day task, ensuring minimal disruption. But for larger and more intricate sites, the process may extend to several days, even weeks. It's all about delivering accurate, tailored assessments with efficiency and excellence.

#3

Produce a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) and BS5837 Tree Survey Schedule

Tree Survey Schedule.

Our innovative process incorporates AI, like ChatGPT, to meticulously analyse and summarise data for the Tree Survey Schedule. We incorporate a dashboard-style overview of the entire schedule to ensure every detail is at your fingertips, right when you need it, ensuring that you have a clear and comprehensive overview of your site's potential. 

Our accurate and scaled AutoCAD or QGIS Tree Constraints Plan (provided in various formats) showcases the exact positions and above and below-ground constraints of recorded features, from tree crowns to root protection areas crafted from the data meticulously collected during the BS5837 Tree Survey.

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Again, we'd typically require a Topographical Survey to ensure complete accuracy and this is something we can help provide however, we can use drones to overcome this where budgets are tight or a Topographical Survey hasn't been commissioned.

These aren't just design tools; they're vision enhancers.

But it doesn't stop there. Our Tree Constraints Plans and Tree Survey Schedules aren't just a design tool. They guide you in identifying the development potential at the planning, design, and implementation stages of your project. Whether it's arboricultural, ecological, or topographical considerations, understanding the complete landscape of constraints and opportunities is the cornerstone of a successful proposal.

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INNOVATIVE TREE SURVEYS FOR SEAMLESS APPROVALS

Navigate planning applications with us.

As seasoned arboriculturists with over a decade of diverse experience, we understand the critical role trees play in your project's success, seamlessly aligning your ambitions with the complex intricacies of BS5837:2012. Our expertise and innovative approach to tree surveys elevates your project and ensures nature and development coexist harmoniously. 

Three steps - that's it. We’ll send you a free, comprehensive quote.

#1

Simply fill out our quick and easy online form, email or call us. 

#2

Accept our Quote and we'll schedule a date for a kick-off call and Tree Survey.

#3

We'll complete your BS5837 Tree Survey and prepare the plans promptly, to avoid delays.

EXPERIENCED TREE CONSULTANTS HELPING YOU NAVIGATE BS5837

Our innovative BS5837 Tree Surveys.

We blend cutting-edge, innovative technology such as drones, photogrammetry, and artificial intelligence, with expert precision to offer you some of the most robust, yet clear and concise BS5837 Tree Surveys and Arboricultural Reports, in the industry.

JOIN A COMMUNITY OF INNOVATORS

Let's start a conversation.

About
Black and white profile image of Callum Throw, an experienced BS5837 Tree Surveyor.

Please reach out to us if you’d like to work with us. We have a broad range of skills in arboriculture, and we are looking for those who want a fresh perspective.

If you are interested in working with an innovative and versatile arboriculture consultancy on your next project, collaborating on a project for one of your existing clients, or just want to geek out over all things trees and digital – I would love to hear from you.

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- Callum Throw, Arb Innovators

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