As a homeowner or property developer embarking on on a property development, redevelopment, or renovation project, understanding the significance of BS5837 Tree Surveys and Reports and trees in the planning process is as important as the design of your proposed development.
This guide aims to demystify the BS5837 process, demonstrating how ARB Innovators leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline these surveys, ultimately benefiting homeowners, architects, and developers alike.
What is BS5837 and Why Should You Care?
The British Standard "Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction to Construction - Recommendations" (BS 5837) (2012) is a set of guidelines issued by the British Standards Institution aimed at protecting trees during demolition, construction and development.
The latest version, published in 2012, applies to all trees potentially affected during the design, demolition, or construction phase of a development.
A BS5837 Tree Survey and Report is an essential process for anyone planning construction or development where trees are present either within or adjacent to your property. In deciding whether you need a survey or not, ask yourself:
Are you planning to develop your property, including extensions and renovations which affect its footprint?
Are you preparing a detailed planning application for an extension?
Are there trees in your garden, property boundary or on neighbouring land within an influencing distance (typically 15 metres)?
If you have answered 'yes' to any of these questions, it is likely that you'll need a BS5837 Tree Survey. It is important to understand that Local Authorities across the UK place a requirement on BS5837 Tree Surveys and Reports as part of their planning validation checklist to help ensure trees on or near to your proposed development are given adequate consideration.
BS5837:2012 outlines the steps and considerations necessary to assess, retain, and protect trees within or adjacent to a development site. For homeowners and developers, understanding and adhering to these guidelines is not only a matter of planning validation compliance but also an investment in the sustainability and aesthetic value of your property.
Thinking of developing your property but unsure where to start with your BS5837 Tree Survey? Contact ARB Innovators today for expert guidance.
The Step-by-Step BS5837 Process Simplified
STAGE 1: Initial BS5837 Tree Survey, Tree Identification and Categorisation
For successful planning applications involving trees on or near your site, BS5837 Tree Surveys and a precise Tree Constraints Plan isn't just an option – it is an essential requirement for successfully integrating trees into your development. Stage 1 (as we call it) is almost always required.
This stage sets the foundation for decision-making throughout the project.
The initial walkover Tree 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.
BS5837 Tree Surveys and Tree Constraints Plans are essential and help ensure that trees and development harmoniously coexist.
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.
STAGE 2: Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Retention Removals Plan
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (or AIA) is a written report which outlines an objective assessment of how the proposed development could affect each tree recorded during the tree survey.
Our Arboricultural Impact Assessment will summarise the findings of the BS5837 tree survey and, most significantly, will outline an objective assessment of how to balance the development requirements with tree retention and removal.
We achieve this by determining which trees are more suitable of retention and integration into the proposed development. The four categories mentioned in Table 1 of BS5837:2012, defined as four letters, A, B, C, and U, have an impact on this assessment.
CATEGORY A - TREES OF HIGH QUALITY
Category A is the highest, reserved for trees of high quality. Trees that are particularly good examples of their species, especially if rare or unusual; trees, groups or woodlands of particular visual amenity importance or of significant conservation, historical, commemorative or other value (e.g. ancient, veteran trees or wood‐pasture).
CATEGORY B - TREES OF MODERATE QUALITY
Trees that might be included in category A, but are downgraded because of impaired condition (e.g. presence of significant though remediable defects). Trees with collective landscape value and with material conservation or other cultural value.
CATEGORY C - TREES OF LOW QUALITY
Unremarkable trees of very limited merit or such impaired condition that they do not qualify in higher categories. Category C is often assigned to trees of small proportions which may be more readily replaced with little residual impacts. These trees, groups and woodlands often offer little to no material conservation or other cultural value.
CATEGORY U - TREES OF LOW QUALITY
Trees assigned as category U are those in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living
trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years. These trees will have serious, irremediable, structural defect, are dead or are showing signs of significant, immediate, and irreversible overall decline.
Essentially, we demonstrate your ability to retain and protect higher quality trees (A and B), while providing mitigation measures for impacts, or clear justification for allowing the removal of lower-quality trees (C and U), alongside compensatory measures.
Our approach to Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) isn't just about ticking boxes to meet BS5837 and local planning validation requirements.
Whilst that's important, our approach is more about guiding you on the value of your trees to make informed decisions on their retention or removal, helping shape your project and its integration with our unique and valuable landscape.
Want to ensure your development is compliant? Let's talk about your tree survey needs.
STAGE 3: Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan
An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) outlines measures to mitigate any negative impacts, ensuring the protection of trees deemed valuable to the site.
An AMS is not always required. For example, an outline planning application would not be accompanied by an AMS as there is often insufficient information and details pertaining to earthworks, final positioning of roads or points of access, and the rerouting or installation of underground services.
While not always required, an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan are a valuable tool for ensuring the protection of trees during development. On Sites where protected or valuable trees recommended for retention are in close proximity to construction, your local planning authority may approve a planning application subject to pre-commencement planning conditions which will need to be discharged.
One of these conditions your local planning authority may impose is for an AMS and Tree Protection Plan. They will expect the AMS to outline detailed steps for tree protection identified following the BS5837 Tree Survey and during he production of the Arboricultural Impact Assessment. It's important to consult with our experienced consultants who can provide tailored guidance on when an AMS is required and how to make the most of this valuable resource.
Our AMS are more than just a set of documents; they're your comprehensive step-by step guide to tree protection and safeguarding trees throughout the construction process.
We've crafted them in a clear and concise format for ease of interpretation.
Our AMS doesn't stop at outlining protection measures; they contain a series of Technical Guidance Notes (TGNs) which provide invaluable guidance for contractors, detailing when and how tree-related protection measures should be executed.
Is a BS5837 Tree Survey and Report a legal requirement for Homeowners?
While not a legal requirement, a BS5837 Tree Survey is often essential for planning applications.
Local authorities frequently require these surveys to ensure that developments consider the impact on existing trees, aligning with environmental and sustainability goals.
We have over 15 years experience and expertise in providing tree surveys and reports for planning, having worked on large and small-scale household and commercial projects for a range of clients, across the UK.
Choosing the Right Tree Consultant for Your BS5837 Survey
Selecting a tree consultant who understands the balance between development needs and the importance of trees is crucial.
ARB Innovators stands apart by combining arboricultural expertise with a passion for technology, offering:
Precision: Our tech-enhanced surveys provide detailed insights into your site's trees, enabling precise planning and tree protection.
Efficiency: With drones and AI, we streamline the survey process, saving you time, money and resources.
Experience: With over 15 years industry experience working on 100's of development project across the UK, we understand trees and planning.
Compliance: We ensure your project adheres to BS5837 guidelines, safeguarding against legal and environmental pitfalls.
ARB Innovators: Your Partner in Simplifying Tree Surveys
At ARB Innovators, we believe in making the complex simple. Our approach to BS5837 surveys is designed to support your development goals while preserving the natural beauty, arboricultural and ecological integrity of your site.
We're not just consultants; we're your partners in sustainable development, committed to providing clear, concise, and pragmatic advice.
Take the first step towards a hassle-free tree survey. Schedule a consultation with us today.
How Our Use of Innovative Technology is Revolutionizing Tree Surveys
At ARB Innovators, we're not just tree consultants; we're tech enthusiasts who believe in the power of innovation.
We leverage drones, photogrammetry, and Artificial Intelligence to deliver unparalleled accuracy and insights. This technology, combined with our arboricultural expertise, allows us to provide detailed Arboricultural Impact Assessment and recommendations that are clear, concise, and actionable, ensuring successful and sustainable development.
Our innovative use and pursuit of technology to provide a different approach, sets us apart from the rest.
Innovate your tree survey with drone and AI technology.