Tree Survey for Architects
Our Compliant BS5837 development site tree surveys, plans, and reports offer a thorough assessment for submission with any planning application. We support teams in achieving successful schemes, including architects, developers, and planners.
We recognize that every site is unique and that there are rarely 'one-size-fits-all' solutions. Therefore, we work collaboratively with our clients to provide appropriate, effective, and cost-efficient solutions tailored to their specific needs.
By partnering with us, you can ensure that your development projects are not only compliant but also optimized for success. Let's work together to create sustainable and well-planned landscapes.
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Tree Surveys for Developers and Planners
When it comes to planning applications involving trees, our services are closely aligned with the RIBA stages (Royal Institute of British Architects). This seamless integration allows us to work effectively with your design team or architect.
Trees are an important factor in the UK planning system and necessitate thorough evaluation during the planning application process. Our services cater to our clients' needs, ensuring a well-informed process backed by extensive experience in both public and private sectors. We recognize the importance of balancing environmental sustainability with the economic feasibility of development. We take pride in providing commercially viable arboricultural advice that meets planning policy demands, thereby contributing positively to the success of planning and development projects.
The four key phases of tree surveys for planning applications are:
A BS5837 Tree Survey is necessary because Local Planning Authorities are legally obligated to assess the impact of planning applications on trees. The BS5837 standard outlines the process for considering trees in planning, detailing the collection of information on trees to inform the planning process. Rarely is an application validated without this data.
An Arboricultural Impact Report is required by the Local Planning Authority to evaluate how the proposed site design has considered the impact on trees. This report is integral to the planning policy concerning green infrastructure, including trees, and influences the Authority's decision-making. It is a critical component of the design phase, ensuring that any impact on trees is either avoided or minimized, thereby supporting a strong planning case in line with national and local policies to obtain planning consent.
Our team utilizes digital software to gather tree data, which we then convert into various data exchange formats to facilitate collaboration and communication with our clients and other professionals.
BS 5837 Combined Packages for Planning & Development
Urban Tree Management provides premium, end‑to‑end BS 5837 support for architects, developers, and planning agents. These packages streamline the entire planning and construction process, offering predictable pricing, defensible reporting, and a single point of accountability.
| Feature / Deliverable | Planning Ready | Full Lifecycle | Premium Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS 5837 Tree Survey | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Constraints & Opportunities Report | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Arboricultural Impact Assessment | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Arboricultural Method Statement | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Tree Protection Plan | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Pre App / Design Workshops | ✔️ | ||
| Arboricultural Supervision | ✔️ | ||
| Monitoring Reports | ✔️ | ||
| Priority Scheduling | ✔️ | ||
| Fast Turnaround Option | Optional | Optional | ✔️ |
| Ideal For | Planning submissions | Planning submissions → | Complex / high value sites |
Proposal‑Ready Packages
Planning‑Ready Package
This package provides all arboricultural documentation required for a planning submission, including the BS 5837 Tree Survey, Constraints & Opportunities Report, and Arboricultural Impact Assessment. It ensures the proposed layout is informed, impacts are justified, and the submission is fully compliant with BS 5837:2012.
Ideal For
- Planning submissions
- Architects needing early clarity
- Developers wanting predictable planning costs
Full Lifecycle Package
This package supports the project from planning through to construction. It includes all planning‑stage documents plus a detailed Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan. These documents provide contractors with clear, enforceable instructions and satisfy typical planning conditions.
Ideal For
- Projects progressing from planning to construction
- Contractors needing clear, enforceable instructions
- Clients wanting continuity from one consultant
Premium Developer Package
Our most comprehensive package, designed for complex or high‑profile developments. It includes all planning and construction‑phase documents, key‑stage arboricultural supervision, monitoring reports, and design workshops. This package provides continuous support, reduces redesign costs, and ensures full compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Ideal For
- Medium–large developers
- Complex or high‑value sites
- Projects with sensitive trees or political scrutiny
Compensation Tree Planting
Compensation planting comes into play when existing trees need to be removed for development, and the local authority requires developers to replace them with new ones. Since policies and requirements differ between authorities, our in-depth knowledge and experience with current systems allow us to determine the right number, size, and timing for replacement trees.
We use both Tree Replacement Systems to calculate quantities and valuation systems like CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees) to assign financial value, ensuring fair outcomes. Our proven approach models the gradual replacement of lost tree value, supports practical agreements for mitigation planting, and is backed by expert advice and design. These innovative methods help meet the goals of both developers and local authorities while promoting sustainable tree replacement.
For expert guidance on site tree surveys, soil assessments, or tree planting plans and schemes, we provide comprehensive services to architects and planning consultants.
Please complete our online form to provide us with essential project details and receive a complimentary quote that encompasses all the necessary information.