Our expert team at RammSanderson offers comprehensive arboriculture surveys and tree reports, guaranteeing accurate and reliable results for development and construction planning across the public and private sectors.
RammSanderson Arboriculture Surveys and Tree Reports
A BS 5837 arboriculture survey, also known as a tree survey, is required for the planning of development and construction projects to identify and record nearby tree data. These surveys include a site visit, tree assessment, report, and the production of a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) in compliance with British Standard 5837:2012.
Arboriculture surveys are often requested by Local Planning Authorities (LPA) as part of an application for planning permission. A detailed report about the condition, dimensions, and location of trees in relation to existing structures helps to inform future tree management and tree preservation and protection plans.
Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)
During an arboriculture survey site visit, nearby trees are assessed for quality and assigned a retention category. Trees of poor quality (i.e. dead or trees with serious defects) are recommended for removal. Each retained tree or group of trees is then plotted on the Tree Constraints Plan.
In accordance with BS 5837, the rooting area of each tree is calculated and plotted on the TCP drawing. This specifies the primary area that should be left undisturbed by construction activity throughout the development phase of the given project.
Once complete, the TCP indicates the locations of the trees and their crown spreads, alongside their tree schedule reference number, assessment category (i.e. A, B, C, or U), and Root Protection Areas (RPA). If needed, the TCP will be made available in CAD format proposing the optimal site layout.
Arboriculture Impact Assessment (AIA)
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is another type of tree report that considers how a proposed development and associated trees will co-exist and interact in the present and future.
Arboricultural Assessments are recommended in the early stage of the planning process as they can quickly identify and eliminate potential conflicts between the trees and the requirements of the development.
The report typically includes a close examination of all tree stock on the land and indicates the impact of trees on development design, construction, or demolition. This can be used to inform the LPA that all trees have been correctly analysed and a suitable course of action for each tree has been determined.
Arboricultural Method Statement
In addition to an AIA, an LPA may specify that an Arboricultural Method Statement is required to satisfy reserve matters or planning conditions. This report contains a timetable indicating when and how specific works adjacent to trees should be carried out.
The Arboricultural Method Statement will cover procedures such as the installation of protective fencing, hand excavation within tree protection zones, surface changes, and trenching methods. Information from this report can also be used to generate a Tree Protection Plan (TPP).
Tree Protection Plan (TPP)
A Tree Protection Plan forms part of the Arboricultural Method Statement and illustrates the trees to be retained and the protective measures required to do so during construction. This provides workers with an easy visual plan to identify where tree protection is required on the site.
RammSanderson has a team of experienced consultants ready to carry out Arboricultural surveys. Get in touch today!