Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
An Arboricultural Method Statement is a written document produced alongside the Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Protection Plan as part of your BS5837 planning submission. It sets out in clear, step-by-step terms exactly how tree protection measures will be implemented on site during construction, and how any works taking place near retained trees will be carried out without causing damage.
Urban Tree Management produces Arboricultural Method Statements for developers, architects, and homeowners across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, and the wider North West.
What is an Arboricultural Method Statement ?
An Arboricultural Method Statement is often a requirement of planning permission on sites containing trees. Where the Arboricultural Impact Assessment identifies impacts and the Tree Protection Plan shows them on a drawing, the AMS translates both into a practical, written guide for the people actually carrying out the works on site. It details the sequence of tree protection activities, the standards to which works must be carried out, and the specific measures to be taken at each stage of the construction programme.
The document is written in plain, accessible language so that contractors, groundworkers, and site managers can read, understand, and sign it before works begin. Every operative working within or near tree protection zones should have access to the AMS and confirm they have read it — this significantly reduces the risk of accidental tree damage during construction and demonstrates to the local authority that tree protection is being actively managed on site.
Arboricultural Method Statements Under the New Draft BS5837
The Arboricultural Method Statement remains a core requirement under the new draft. The new draft introduces a formal Permit to Work concept — requiring that all works within or adjacent to root protection areas are authorised by a qualified arboriculturist before they are carried out. Urban Tree Management's method statements already incorporate this approach as standard practice.
What an AMS Covers
A well-produced Arboricultural Method Statement covers the full scope of construction activity that could affect retained trees. This includes the installation and maintenance of tree protection fencing, ground protection measures within root protection areas, the specification and supervision of any facilitation pruning required before construction begins, the methods to be used for excavation near tree roots, the routing of underground services away from root systems, and the handling of any soils or materials near retained trees. Where specialist construction methods such as no-dig surfaces, suspended slabs, or mini-pile foundations are required, the AMS provides the written specification to accompany the engineer's design.
Local Authority Inspections
Once planning permission is granted with tree protection conditions, the local planning authority has the right to inspect the site at any point during construction to verify that the AMS is being followed. A clearly written, comprehensive method statement that site operatives have signed and understood is the most effective way to demonstrate compliance during these visits and to avoid enforcement action, stop notices, or conditions being imposed on future applications. Urban Tree Management remains available throughout the construction phase to answer queries from contractors and to liaise directly with the local authority tree officer if required.
How the AMS Fits Into Your BS5837 Package
The Arboricultural Method Statement is the final document in the BS5837 planning package. The Tree Constraints Plan identifies and maps the constraints. The Arboricultural Impact Assessment assesses the development's effect on trees. The Tree Protection Plan shows the protection measures on a drawing. The AMS then brings everything together in a written format that can be handed to the contractor and used on site from the first day of construction through to completion. Commissioning all four documents through Urban Tree Management ensures consistency, speed, and a seamless planning process from feasibility to construction.
BS5837 Tree Protection Plans and Method statements for your project
If you need a professional tree survey to support your planning application, get in touch and we’ll send a free quote within 24 hours
