If there are trees on or near the land you want to build on, the answer is very often yes. Missing tree information is one of the most common reasons planning applications are held up. This guide explains, in plain English, when you need a tree survey, what it involves, and how to avoid delays.
Download this guide: PDF version (one page), handy for sharing with architects and developers.
When is a tree survey needed?
Councils take trees into account in planning decisions whether or not they are protected. You will usually need a tree survey to British Standard BS 5837 if:
- there are trees on the site that could be affected by the work
- trees on neighbouring land, or street trees, are close enough for their roots or branches to be affected (roots don’t stop at the boundary)
- you are planning an extension, a new house, an outbuilding, a new driveway or changes to ground levels near trees
- the trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are in a Conservation Area
Most councils set this out in their local validation list, the checklist of documents they need with an application. If the tree information is missing, the council may not accept the application as valid, may ask for it later (adding weeks to the process), or may refuse permission.
When you probably don’t need one
- There are no trees on or near the site, or they are well away from any building work.
- The work is permitted development and doesn’t need a planning application. Bear in mind that TPO and Conservation Area rules still apply to the trees themselves.
Not sure? Send us your plans and a few photos of the site. We can usually tell you quickly whether a survey is needed.
What does a tree survey involve?
We visit the site and record each relevant tree: its species, size, age, condition and quality. Each tree is given a category (A, B, C or U) that reflects how important it is to retain, and we calculate its Root Protection Area, the area around the tree that needs protecting during building work.
This information goes onto a Tree Constraints Plan, which shows your architect or designer exactly where the trees limit what can be built. Depending on your project and your council, you may also need:
- an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, explaining how the proposed development affects the trees
- an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan, setting out how retained trees will be protected during construction
When should I get it done?
As early as possible, ideally before your plans are finalised. A survey done at the start lets your designer work around the trees from day one. A survey done at the end can mean redesigning the scheme, and delays you could have avoided.
Building in the New Forest?
Inside the New Forest National Park, planning and tree work applications go to the New Forest National Park Authority, not the district council, and trees can carry extra weight in planning decisions. Read our New Forest advice.
How we can help
We carry out BS 5837 tree surveys and reports for homeowners, architects and developers across southern England. For a free, no-obligation quote, email jonharper@harper-trees.co.uk or call 07982 911104 with the site address, a few photos and any plans you have. Most reports are delivered within 10 working days, and urgent work can often be turned around faster.