Question: What arboricultural reports are needed for planning?
Answer: Where trees are present on or adjacent to a development site, Local Planning Authorities require reports prepared in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction. These typically include:
- Tree Survey and Tree Constraints Plan
- Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
- Tree Protection Plan (TPP)
- Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
The reports demonstrate that trees have been properly considered in the design and that retained trees will be protected during construction. Applications affecting trees are often invalid without them.
Question: What is a BS 5837 tree survey?
Answer: A BS 5837 tree survey records every tree on and immediately adjacent to the site, including species, dimensions, age, condition and life expectancy, and assigns each tree a retention category from A (high quality) to U (unsuitable for retention). The survey calculates the Root Protection Area (RPA) for each tree and produces a Tree Constraints Plan showing the RPAs and canopy spreads that should inform the site layout.
Question: What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
Answer: An Arboricultural Impact Assessment evaluates the effect of the proposed development on the surveyed trees, identifying which trees will be removed, which will be retained and whether any retained trees will be affected by construction within their Root Protection Areas or by pruning. It considers the amenity value of trees to be lost and proposes replacement planting. The AIA is the key document planning officers use to assess the acceptability of tree loss.
Question: What are a Tree Protection Plan and Arboricultural Method Statement?
Answer: A Tree Protection Plan is a drawing showing the retained trees, their Root Protection Areas, protective fencing, ground protection and construction exclusion zones. An Arboricultural Method Statement sets out how any works within Root Protection Areas, such as no-dig surfacing, foundations, services or level changes, will be carried out to avoid damage. Both are usually required by planning condition before works commence and are monitored during construction.
Question: What are Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas?
Answer: A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is made by the local authority to protect specific trees, groups or woodlands of amenity value, and makes it an offence to fell, prune or damage them without consent. In Conservation Areas, six weeks’ notice must be given to the authority before works to any tree over 75 mm in diameter. Arboricultural consultants prepare TPO and Conservation Area applications and advise on works that may be exempt.
Question: What is arboricultural supervision?
Answer: Planning conditions commonly require an arboriculturist to inspect tree protection measures before construction starts and to supervise or monitor works within Root Protection Areas during the build. Site visit reports are submitted to the planning authority to demonstrate compliance. Arboricultural supervision protects trees and protects the developer from enforcement action and the substantial fines that can apply for damaging protected trees.
Question: Why choose Syntegra Group for arboricultural services?
Answer: Syntegra Group’s arboricultural consultants provide BS 5837 tree surveys, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Tree Protection Plans, Arboricultural Method Statements, TPO applications and site supervision for developments across the UK. We work closely with architects and engineers to design layouts that retain valuable trees while maximising development potential.
Integrated with our ecology, landscape, drainage and Biodiversity Net Gain services, our tree advice forms part of a coordinated green infrastructure strategy that satisfies planning authorities and delivers attractive, sustainable places.
