Trees, Planning & Structures

A scaled AutoCAD drawing showing all surveyed trees, their crown spreads, and root protection areas plotted onto the site layout — produced in georeferenced DXF format at OS National Grid BNG coordinates. Under the new draft BS5837 this becomes the Arboricultural Constraints and Opportunities Plan — ACOP — and must show projected future canopy growth at 10, 20, and 30 year horizons. Urban Tree Management already produces to this standard.

After completing a comprehensive initial tree survey at a site, details like rooting areas, crown spreads, and tree quality are plotted onto a topographical survey to create a Tree Constraints Plan.  This information on constraints is subsequently utilized to guide the detailed design of development.

A detailed written evaluation of the impact of the proposed development on every tree in the survey — direct and indirect impacts — with mitigation measures specified for every retained tree. Produced in the format required by your specific local planning authority. Under the new draft BS5837 this becomes the Arboricultural Impact Report — AIR.

Specifies the tree protection measures to be installed before construction begins — Construction Exclusion Zones, protection fencing specification and positions, and ground protection requirements — ensuring retained trees are protected throughout the build programme.

The working methods to be used near retained trees throughout the build programme — excavation methods, machinery restrictions, material storage, service routing, and Permit to Work requirements for all operations within root protection areas.

Periodic site inspections verifying tree protection compliance throughout the construction programme — producing written inspection records for submission to the local planning authority and allowing arboricultural planning conditions to be discharged at practical completion.

NHBC Chapter 4.2 compliant tree surveys providing species, height, water demand classification, soil shrinkability assessment, influence zones, and CAD plans in a format ready for use by structural engineers designing foundations for new housing near trees.

Pre-purchase and mortgage tree reports for homebuyers — assessing the risk posed by nearby trees to the building from roots, branches, and potential structural failure. Accepted by all major mortgage lenders. Typically delivered within 48 hours of the site visit.

An initial arboricultural feasibility assessment for developers and land agents considering a site purchase — identifying the tree constraints present, advising on the likelihood of retaining key trees through the planning process, and providing early-stage guidance on site layout optimisation before a planning application is prepared.

Specialist arboricultural surveys and reports for solar farm, wind farm, and wider renewable energy developments — BS5837 planning packages, tree constraints assessments, and ecological connectivity assessments for renewable energy sites across the North West and nationally.