Tree surveys and reports

Professional BS5837 tree surveys to support planning applications.

Trees are an important consideration in the planning process. If your development may affect trees on or near your site, the local planning authority will usually require a BS5837 tree survey and accompanying arboricultural reports.

We provide clear, accurate tree surveys and plans that integrate smoothly with your architectural drawings and planning application. Whether you are working on a small extension or a larger development, we explain exactly what is required and deliver the documents your planning officer needs.

Get a quote

What is a BS5837 tree survey?

BS5837 is the British Standard that guides how trees should be assessed and protected during development. Planning authorities rely on these reports to understand:

  • The quality and value of the trees

  • How proposals may affect them

  • Whether trees can be retained safely

  • What protection measures are needed during construction

Our reports are concise, planning-ready and easy for your design team to integrate.

Looking up at a large tree trunk with textured bark and green leaves from below.

When is a tree survey needed?

Close-up of green oak leaves against a blue sky with some clouds.

A BS5837 tree survey is typically needed when:

  • Your site contains trees, woodland or hedgerows

  • Neighbouring trees may be affected by excavation or construction

  • You are proposing an extension, conversion or redevelopment

  • A planning officer requests arboricultural input

  • You are near a conservation area or working with protected trees (TPOs)

Not sure what you need? 

Send us your plans or a brief description of your project, and we’ll confirm what is required and when.

Our tree survey services

Tree in field

BS5837 tree survey

A detailed assessment of all trees on or adjacent to your site, including:

  • Tree species, height, diameter and spread

  • Physiological and structural condition

  • Life expectancy and retention category

  • Root protection area (RPA) calculations

  • Recommendations for retention, removal or management

Delivered with clear schedules, maps and CAD-compatible plans.

A view of tree branches and leaves, with some green and orange foliage, against a bright sky.

Tree constraints plan (TCP)

A TCP shows how existing trees may constrain your development layout. It identifies:

  • Root protection areas

  • Canopy spreads

  • Shading arcs

  • Constraints that designers need to consider 

This helps architects and planning consultants finalise site layouts early and avoid later redesigns.

Tree branches with green leaves over a grassy field and blue sky.

Arboricultural impact assessment (AIA)

A peaceful grassy clearing surrounded by trees, with sunlight filtering through the leaves.

An AIA assesses how your proposed development may affect trees and provides:

  • A clear evaluation of tree constraints

  • Assessment of impacts from construction, access, utilities and changes in ground levels

  • Recommendations for mitigation

  • Identification of trees to be retained or removed

This document is frequently requested by planning officers.

Arboricultural method statement (AMS)

Where trees are retained close to construction works, an AMS outlines how to complete the works safely. 

Includes:

  • Detailed working methods

  • Protective measures

  • Site supervision requirements

  • Phasing plans

Planning conditions often require an AMS before development begins.

A grassy hillside with a black wooden fence and a row of bare trees.

Tree protection plan (TPP)

A TPP shows the exact protective fencing and ground protection measures needed to safeguard retained trees throughout construction.

Provided as a clear CAD-ready drawing with annotations that your contractor can easily follow.

A planning-focused approach

Our role is to provide clear, robust surveys and reports that answer the questions planning officers and consultees expect to see, without unnecessary complexity or cost. Our reports are:

  • Clear – concise conclusions that address each ecological issue

  • Proportionate – we recommend only what is necessary for your project

  • Robust – based on current legislation and professional best practice

  • Planning-ready – structured to support efficient decision-making

Whether you are applying for a small home extension or a larger development, we explain what is required, why, and the simplest route through the planning process.

Our process

  • Icon of a web browser window with a checkmark inside a circle in the center, on a green background.

    Send us your plans

    Email your drawings, site address and planning context. We will review and provide a fixed-fee quote within 24 hours.

  • White location pin icon on a green background.

    Site survey

    We visit the site to assess all relevant trees.

  • Illustration of three stacked documents on a green background.

    Reporting

    You receive BS5837-compliant documents tailored to your proposal and planning authority.

  • Outline of a hand holding a circle with a checkmark inside, on a green background.

    Ongoing support

    If planning officers or contractors have questions, we provide prompt clarification.

Areas we cover

We provide licensing, mitigation and ecological supervision services across:

 Wiltshire - Dorset - Somerset - Gloucestershire - South Wales - Oxfordshire - Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - Greater London - Surrey - Greater London - Berkshire - Buckinghamshire - West Sussex.

We can also travel to neighbouring areas by arrangement.

Map of England highlighting regions in dark green with white boundaries, and other regions in light green, depicting different areas.
Get a quote