The tree survey services provided.
BS5837 - Tree Surveys for Planning Applications
The current best practice for the interplay between trees and development is outlined in BS5837:2012, which focuses on trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction processes.
Arboriculture and planning involve aiding decision-making concerning existing and proposed trees within the realms of design, demolition, and construction. Considerations must include root systems, stems, and canopies, with sufficient provision for future movement and growth, in all projects, even those exempt from planning permission. Additionally, the establishment space for any new trees is a critical factor.
Hinshelwood Arboricultural Consultants offers technical consultancy for trees concerning development, in line with British Standard 5837:2012. Collaborating with developers, house builders, architects, local authorities, planners, and homeowners for over ten years, we have contributed to the success of numerous planning applications. Our high-quality work and extensive experience in Scotland have enabled us to amass detailed knowledge of local planning authority requirements and potential planning restrictions relevant to your site. With our comprehensive expertise, we have generated technical reports for a broad client base and maintain close partnerships with various planning consultancies, developers, landowners, and architectural firms to fulfill their arboricultural needs.
Should your application site include a tree, or if a tree stands within 12 meters of it, an arboricultural report will likely be necessary to accompany your planning application.
For minor construction projects on domestic properties, the information needed may be relatively succinct, involving annotated plans and a tree schedule. However, if the proposal impacts a significant tree, the required detail level may rise. Our tree survey reports support a wide array of planning projects.
BS5837:2012 TREE SURVEY AND TREE CONSTRAINTS PLAN
The Tree Survey looks at the quality of the trees and assigns a specific retention value for each tree. This can be a useful tool to aid developers decisions on which trees to keep or remove. The Tree Constraints plan is a drawing illustrating tree canopy spreads, BS5837:2012 retention categories, and Root Protection Areas.
ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
An arboricultural impact assessment may be required as part of a planning application relation to a site that is close to, or contains trees
This assessment of tree health details the potential impact a construction project may have on the surrounding trees, as well as the impact the trees will have on the finished structure.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments contain an appraisal of the pre-construction situation on the site. This includes an assessment of tree quality in accordance with British Standard BS5837:2012, taking into account the trees’ individual arboricultural, landscape and cultural or ecological values and their estimated remaining contribution. Detailed information on all surveyed trees is available in the Tree Survey Schedules, which are included in the report. Urban Tree Managements Arboricultural Impact Assessments also include recommendations for:
Remedial health and safety tree works.
Guidance on which trees may be retained given the proposed site layout.
Protection measures to be implemented during construction.
Guidance on specialist construction methods for structures in close proximity to trees.
Guidance on mitigation for tree removal and recommended planting specification.
Suggestions for future arboricultural management to maximize the safe useful life expectancy of retained trees.
ARBORICULTURAL METHOD STATEMENT AND TREE PROTECTION PLAN
This report follows on from the Impact Assessment. It highlights specific activities in the building process relating to trees. Detailed methodologies for working around the trees with the aim of protecting them through each process. The Tree Protection Plan is a scaled drawing that accompanies the Method Statement. It is overlaid on the Tree Constraints Plan and shows the location of any Protective Fencing and Ground Protection. Any other arboricultural requirements may also be illustrated from the Method Statement.
ARBORICULTURAL SUPERVISION AND SITE MONITORING
Where a development is likely to impact on a tree, arboricultural supervision should be sought. The Council may require a Pre-Commencement Meeting, Arboricultural supervision, and site monitoring. This is to be carried out through key stages of the development providing ongoing evidence of compliance with the Local Planning Authority with the BS5837:2012 Report, and associated methodologies.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TREE SURVEY INSPECTIONS
Our services are customised to meet the unique needs of each client, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) and HSE Guidance.
No matter your requirements, we have the expertise to conduct the appropriate tree assessment for you. Whether it's a standard approach or one tailored to your specific situation, we will provide what you need. The frequency and level of detail in a tree survey can range from a basic "walk-through survey" to an in-depth "individual tree survey." We offer tree risk assessments and inspections through a systematic method, including specialist decay investigations, and create custom documents to meet the needs of our clients, whether it's for a single tree or extensive populations for private estates, landowners, housing associations, schools, universities, facilities, and landscape management companies, or owners of multiple sites.
Survey data is compiled and recorded using state-of-the-art computerised tree management software, GPS (Global Positioning Systems), and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). This guarantees precise tree mapping and systematic information recording, resulting in clear, geo-referenced maps and tree location plans, as well as comprehensive tree management reports with recommendations. This enables our clients to maintain detailed tree records, facilitating forward planning and efficient data management.
INDIVIDUAL / SPECIFIC TREE INSPECTION
A report that addresses individual trees where concern is raised. Trees will be visually inspected using recognised Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) techniques, identifying any structural defects, diseases, physiological issues or any other hazardous observations. The reports will address issues and make recommendations for future maintenance that will be prioritised with a view to Health and Safety.
COMPREHENSIVE TREE SURVEY
A Comprehensive Tree Survey will identify every tree on site, detailing their species, height, canopy dimensions, structural conditions and physiological condition. General observations and recommendations will be made that will be prioritised with a view to Health and Safety. Each tree will be recorded on a Tree Survey Schedule and plotted on a Tree Location Plan.
WALK-OVER / NEGATIVE REPORTING TREE SURVEY
A walk-over survey is where all trees are visually inspected. Only trees that pose a hazard, or need remedial Tree Works will be recorded and tagged.
This One Tree Somewhere
It is important to talk to me before submitting a planning proposal where trees are involved to avoid the potential pitfalls