Tree surveys will be needed alongside planning applications in Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest and fastest-developing cities, Leeds presents a unique blend of historic urban fabric, suburban growth and rich green infrastructure. Located in West Yorkshire, Leeds has evolved from its industrial roots into a thriving commercial and cultural centre, and it continues to expand with major regeneration schemes and new housing developments. At the same time, the city has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental protection, making tree surveys in Leeds an essential part of the planning and development process.
Leeds is home to an impressive network of parks, woodlands and street trees that contribute to the city’s character and biodiversity. Roundhay Park, one of the largest city parks in Europe, offers over 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland. Other key green spaces and conservation areas include Temple Newsam Estate, Meanwood Valley Trail, and Golden Acre Park, all of which help maintain ecological diversity across the city. With more than two million trees in its public realm alone, Leeds City Council has made tree planting and urban greening core priorities in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve climate resilience.
Protection for Trees in Leeds
As development across Leeds continues to increase in scale and pace, tree protection has become more integral to planning policy. Many of the city’s trees are covered by Tree Preservation Orders or are situated within designated conservation areas, such as Chapel Allerton, Headingley and Holbeck. These legal protections ensure that trees with historical, aesthetic or ecological value are not damaged or removed without proper scrutiny. As a result, any proposed development that may affect trees on or near a site will usually require formal tree surveys and robust tree reports before a planning application can be validated by the local planning authority.
Types of tree surveys
In most cases, a BS5837 tree survey will be required. This tree inspection follows the British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition and construction and is specifically aimed at development planning. During the process, a qualified arboricultural consultant visits the site to assess existing trees within the proposed development area and nearby trees. These tree surveys assesses and records details such as tree’s species, age, height, diameter, condition, and life expectancy. Trees are then categorised based on their value and suitability for retention. These key observations help inform layout decisions and ensure that high-quality trees are preserved whenever possible. Surveys detail protected trees, tree preservation orders and details of conservation areas if relevant, root mapping information if required, and hazard identification.
Structurally Unsound Trees
Leeds tree surveys must also take into account the presence of any trees that are structurally compromised or at risk of failure. Using visual assessments and, where necessary, decay detection tools, arboricultural consultants identify trees that may pose a health and safety risk from overhanging branches or widespread decay. In such cases, recommendations in tree reports may include pruning, tree surgery, or, in extreme situations, removal, although this is always a last resort and must be justified with clear evidence.
Tree Survey Reports
Following the tree survey, the data gathered is presented in a detailed tree report which forms a key part of the planning submission. Tree reports include a tree schedule, a Tree Constraints Plan and may be supported by additional documents such as an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan. These documents outline how construction activities will be carried out without causing harm to retained trees and specify the protective measures that must be in place throughout the course of the development to accommodate tree preservation.
Further Tree Surveys
Beyond the planning system, tree surveys are also used for land management, woodland management plans and risk assessment purposes. A woodland management survey tree plan may be required in some instances. Schools, commercial properties, hospitals, housing associations and local authorities may have an elevated risk from existing trees and require routine tree inspections to comply with health and safety regulations. Strong winds, heavy rain and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns can all increase the risk of tree failure, resulting in a few broken roof tiles or a worse case scenario. Regular tree risk assessments, including individual tree surveys, help identify safety and health hazards and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Through hazard identification, tree surveys can clarify the necessary work required to make trees safe.
The importance of Tree Care in Leeds
Leeds City Council encourages responsible tree management and the integration of green infrastructure into the built environment. Whether you’re a homeowner planning an extension, a developer submitting a major planning application, or a land manager responsible for public safety, obtaining the appropriate tree survey is a critical step in the process. Tree surveys provide peace of mind, ensure regulatory compliance and manage risk in a proper manner.
Expert Advice and a Range of Tree Services
We provide all types of tree surveys in Leeds, across west Yorkshire and surrounding regions. We work with private property owners, property developers, architects and relevant professional organisations to provide clear, compliant tree reports that satisfy local planning requirements. We can provide tree risk assessments, help with landscape design, provide a visual tree assessment, root mapping, individual tree surveys, help with tree related subsidence, woodland management plans, and hazard identification. With an in-depth understanding of Leeds City Council’s policies and a strong track record of supporting successful planning applications, our team offer tree services to help you navigate the complexities of tree-related planning regulations.
Request a Free Quote for a Tree Survey
If you require a tree survey for development projects in Leeds, contact us today for a free, no obligation quotation tailored to your development needs. Our experienced consultants will arrange a site visit at a convenient time and provide tree surveys and tree reports suitable for submission to the local authority. Simply call the number at the top of this page or complete our contact form, and we’ll get back to you quickly with everything you need to move your project forward responsibly, including tree survey cost guidance.