NHBC Tree Surveys

Accurate, engineer‑ready data for safe, compliant foundation design

NHBC Chapter 4.2 requires foundation design to account for the influence of existing vegetation, recently removed trees, and significant pruning. Incorrect assessment can lead to subsidence, heave, or costly structural failures.


Urban Tree Management provides NHBC‑compliant tree surveys and CAD‑ready influence zone plans that give structural engineers the exact data they need to design safe, compliant foundations.


We work with developers, architects, and engineers across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, and the wider UK.

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NHBC Tree Survey Packages

Below are our three structured NHBC packages, designed to support different levels of development complexity.

Feature / Deliverable NHBC Basic Survey NHBC Standard Package NHBC Premium Package
Tree species & height ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Water demand classification ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Soil composition / shrinkability notes ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Influence zone calculations ✔️ ✔️
CAD‑ready tree location plan ✔️ ✔️
Foundation depth guidance (for engineers) ✔️ ✔️
Removed / pruned tree assessment ✔️ ✔️
Detailed soil–root interaction commentary ✔️
Developer / architect design notes ✔️
Priority turnaround ✔️
Ideal for Small plots Standard residential sites Complex sites / engineering‑led schemes

Proposal‑Ready Package Descriptions

NHBC Basic Survey

  • A compliant Chapter 4.2 tree survey recording species, height, water demand, and basic soil notes.


Ideal for

  • Small plots, feasibility checks, early‑stage design.


NHBC Standard Package

  • Our most popular option. Includes full NHBC tree data, influence zones, CAD‑ready plans, and clear information for structural engineers to determine foundation depths.


Ideal for

  • Standard residential developments, extensions, infill plots.


NHBC Premium Package

  • Designed for complex sites, clay soils, or engineering‑heavy schemes. Includes detailed soil–root interaction commentary, design notes for architects, and priority turnaround.


Ideal for

  • High‑risk soils, large developments, sites with significant tree removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need an NHBC tree survey?

    Yes — if trees exist, were recently removed, or have been heavily pruned near proposed foundations. NHBC Chapter 4.2 requires vegetation influence to be assessed to prevent subsidence or heave.

  • Does the number of trees affect NHBC foundation depth?

    No. NHBC does not use tree quantity in its calculations. Foundation depth is determined by species, height, water demand, soil shrinkability, and influence radius. Multiple trees only matter where their influence zones overlap.

  • What is a tree influence zone?

    An influence zone is the area where a tree may affect soil moisture. NHBC calculates this using tree height and water demand category. High‑demand species have larger influence zones.

  • Do you provide CAD plans?

    Yes. Standard and Premium packages include CAD‑ready influence zone plans showing tree positions, radii, and water demand categories.

  • Can you work directly with my structural engineer?

    Absolutely. We provide engineer‑ready data and can liaise directly to ensure foundation design meets NHBC requirements.

  • Do removed trees still affect foundation design?

    Yes. Recently removed high‑demand trees can cause heave, which is often more severe than subsidence. NHBC requires these to be assessed.

  • How fast can you complete the survey?

    Premium packages include priority turnaround. Standard turnaround is typically 3–7 working days depending on site size and complexity.

  • Do you assess soil shrinkability (PI)?

    Yes. Soil PI is a key factor in NHBC calculations. We record soil characteristics and can integrate lab results where provided or desktop data is available.

  • Can NHBC surveys be combined with BS 5837 surveys?

    Yes. Many developments require both. We can combine site visits and produce a unified CAD base to reduce cost and duplication.

Why Developers Choose Our NHBC Surveys

  • Clear, engineer‑ready data
  • CAD‑ready influence zone plans
  • Accurate water demand classification
  • Reduced risk of subsidence or heave
  • Fast turnaround for tight build schedules
  • Predictable, transparent pricing
  • Ideal for planning, design, and construction stages


Please complete our online form to provide us with essential project details and receive a complimentary quote that encompasses all the necessary information.

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