British Standard BS5837
Whenever there are trees within the development site of a planning project, a tree survey would be a necessary step to take, ensuring none of the trees are under existing protective measures, preventing harm from coming to such trees, and removing any issues that would otherwise threaten planning applications and the continued success of the development plans.
More often than not, a BS5837 tree survey will be the recommended initial inspection on a development site that contains trees. If, however, you aren’t exactly sure what a BS5837 assessment is, what it involves, why it is a common part of the survey process, and how it is carried out, you will find answers to all of those questions and more throughout this informative page.
What is a BS5837 Tree Survey?
A BS5837 tree survey is an evaluation of trees designed to cater to the impacts of the development process. Over the course of a prior desk study and a physical inspection of the development site, an arboricultural surveyor will use the assessment as an opportunity to analyse the condition of all trees in the local vicinity. It shares similarities with a tree quality assessment except with a focus on planning, as based on ‘British Standard (BS5837:2012) Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction‘.
Throughout the process of inspecting all present trees, the arboricultural consultant will distinguish between protected and non-protected trees and determine the quality of each tree. Findings from the survey will then dictate their measures for moving forward along the design, demolition or construction phase, and with everything covered, the developer should be able to submit a viable application for planning permission to the local planning authority.
Why Are BS5837 Tree Surveys Important?
A selection of different reasons makes BS5837 surveys a crucial component in the planning process. The primary aim surfaces on the protection of valuable trees, with the inspection enabling an arboriculturist to gauge value based on historical significance, age, life expectancy, species, size and role in local biodiversity or the visual aesthetics of the area.
In other areas of conservation, preservation and protection, retaining high-quality trees contributes to increased oxygen levels and decreased carbon dioxide levels, making BS5837 surveys vital to avoid the destruction of valuable trees. The assessment also ensures compliance with current planning regulations, monitors tree health and safety matters, and promises a sustainable relationship between local trees and new structures created as a result of the development.
BS5837 Tree Surveying and Categorisation
BS5837 Process
Starting with a thorough desk study to uncover existing information about trees in the specific area, the tree consultant will then attend the development site in person for a ground-level assessment. Every tree will be analysed, including trees within or directly outside of the site, and taking into consideration such factors as age, condition, species and value.
Results for each tree will be simplified into four categories, with one end of the spectrum indicating that the trees are pivotal and worth retaining at all costs, the other end confirming that the trees are either of extremely low quality, a potential risk to health and safety or simply not worth retaining, and the two categories in between showing debatable outcomes but likely leading to relocating affected trees.
BS5837 Categories
- Category A – High Value
- Category B – Moderate Value
- Category C – Low Value
- Category U – Completely Lacking Value
BS5837 Root Protection Area
Another important area to bear in mind during the process of establishing the value and quality of a tree is the matter of root protection areas (RPAs). The stem diameter of the roots is measured, and depending on the outcome, the tree surveyor will be able to tell what level of restriction is needed around each tree, avoiding harm to the tree by preventing damage to the tree roots.
BS5837 Reports
Within a corresponding report from a BS5837 tree survey, multiple documents are involved, including an arboricultural impact assessment (AIA), arboricultural method statement (AMS) and tree constraints plan (TCP). All of the supporting information gives the local authority a full picture of trees on the development site, and it will also clearly outline applicable compensation and mitigation measures.
Reports from arboricultural assessments undertaken by our team will be completed as soon as possible and sent across to the developer. The detailed BS 5837 report can then be integrated within the planning application, and as it will address all considerations that would otherwise endanger trees in relation to design, demolition and construction work, it should be sufficient to see the planning consent granted.
Choose Us as Your BS 5837 Tree Survey Provider
Our many years of experience in BS5837 tree surveys make us the perfect candidate for assisting you in providing suitable inspections to support your development plans, and what makes us unique is that we specialise exclusively in arboricultural assessments.
In the section below, we cover the key factors that you may be thinking about when it comes to choosing an arboricultural consultancy for a tree survey, such as the individuals managing the assessments, the cost of the services and how to request a quote.
BS5837 Tree Consultants
Amongst our team are fully qualified, trained, licenced and trained tree consultants, all with experience and knowledge conducting arboricultural surveys for a wide range of different clients, industries, projects and purposes. We guarantee that the resulting BS5837 report will be universally comprehensive, featuring everything you need to obtain successful planning applications.
Our arboricultural services don’t merely extend to a BS5837 tree survey in isolation either, with just as much of an understanding of other areas of arboricultural surveys to support planning. If you need a tree protection plan (TPP) or another form of inspection to analyse trees in relation to a land or property development project, we can step in with the insight and expertise you need.
BS5837 Survey Cost
Rather than provide the same price to all clients regardless of the details of their planning project, we start with a set price before only adding on any additional costs based on your specifications. It means that small developments aren’t priced up the same as large developments, making it a fairer system for homeowners or developers working on basic, minimal sites.
In order for you to possess a working knowledge of retained trees on your site, veteran trees that are too valuable to destroy or even relocate and both low and high-quality trees, we would advise speaking to our team and allowing us to price up your quote accurately. From there, we can inform you of the best, quickest and most cost-effective route to take.
Claim Your Quote for a Report Today
For your own tree survey quote, contact us by calling us on the number above, emailing us directly or completing a quote form on our contact page. We can then determine which tree assessments are necessary and plan a date to attend your site for a BS 5837 tree survey or another form of arboricultural assessment as applicable.
Straight after the BS5837 tree survey, the tree consultant will begin putting together your tree report. Once completed, it will be sent to you ready for submission to the planning department of your local council as part of your planning application. If, however, further tree assessments are needed after the BS5837 tree survey to support your design, demolition and construction work, we will advise you on this and continue to assist you in the planning process.