Tree Surveys &
Arboricultural Reports

When you need a tree survey — and what it involves

Arboricultural Reports
for Every Situation

Who needs a tree survey?

Tree surveys and arboricultural reports are needed in a wider range of situations than most people realise. The most common triggers are planning applications — where the planning authority requires evidence about the trees on or adjacent to a development site — and property purchase, where a buyer wants to understand the condition, management history and potential liabilities of significant trees on a property they are buying.

Solicitors, surveyors and estate agents increasingly flag tree issues in conveyancing. Having an independent arboricultural report at the outset of a purchase can clarify what the trees represent — both in terms of management requirements and planning obligations — and prevent costly surprises after completion.

BS5837 surveys for planning

BS5837:2012 is the British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. When you make a planning application for development on or near land with trees, the planning authority — Dorset Council, BCP, NFDC, NFNPA, Wiltshire Council, or any other — will typically require a BS5837 survey as a condition of validating the application.

A BS5837 survey involves a detailed assessment of every tree on or adjacent to the site, categorised by quality and retention value (A, B, C and U categories), the calculation of root protection areas (RPAs) and a tree constraints plan showing how the tree positions and root zones relate to the proposed development. The survey report makes recommendations on which trees should be retained and how they should be protected during construction.

We have extensive experience preparing BS5837 surveys that are accepted by all relevant planning authorities across our area. A poorly prepared survey can cause significant delays to planning applications — we get it right first time.

Condition and risk assessments

Independent condition reports are requested for a variety of reasons — a tree that is showing signs of decline, a large tree that needs assessment for safety, a property purchase where the conveyancing solicitor has raised a question, or a dispute between neighbours about a tree's condition. We provide clear, impartial written reports that can be used as evidence in planning processes, insurance claims or legal proceedings.

TPO and planning history checks

We confirm TPO status and Conservation Area designations as part of all site visits. Where a formal report is needed to support a planning application or objection, we can provide a written assessment of the relevant planning designations and their implications.

Coverage

We undertake tree surveys and arboricultural reports across Dorset (Dorset Council and BCP), Hampshire (NFDC, NFNPA, Southampton City, Eastleigh Borough, Test Valley) and south Wiltshire (Wiltshire Council). Our reports are prepared to the relevant British Standards and are accepted by all planning authorities in these areas.