BS5837 Surveys and Reports Guide
What is BS 5837?
To give it its full title, BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - Recommendations; provides guidance for design, demolition and construction activities on sites where there is potential for conflict with existing trees and hedges. The guidance aims to help all interested parties achieve a harmonious and sustainable relationship between trees and structures.
Do I need a BS 5837 Tree Survey & Report?
If you are planning to undertake demolition or construction activity on sites with existing trees or hedges, or on sites with neighbouring trees close by, you are likely to need a BS 5837 tree survey as well as other supporting documentation. To better understand which elements you require, please consider the following questions;
Q1. Are there any trees or hedges on the site, or do the canopies of any neighbouring trees come close to the site boundaries?
Yes - You will likely require a BS 5837 Tree Survey and Tree Constraints Plan as a minimum (now proceed to question 2)
No - You are unlikely to require a BS 5837 tree survey or report
Q2. Are any demolition, construction, storage or access activities likely to come anywhere near the trees or hedges?
Yes - You are also likely to need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Protection Plan. (now proceed to question 3)
No - Unless the local planning authority specifies otherwise you require no further reports
Q3. Are any demolition, construction, storage or access activities required beneath the canopy or within the Root Protection Area of any retained trees or hedges?
Yes - You are also likely to need an Arboricultural Method Statement and potentially Arboricultural Supervision and Site Monitoring
No - Unless the local planning authority specifies otherwise you require no further reports or services
What is a BS 5837 Tree Survey?
A BS 5837 tree survey establishes the details of any trees or hedges that are present on, or close to, a given site. Amongst other things the survey will record;
- Species
- Maturity
- General Dimensions (including height, stem diameter, canopy spread and Root Protection Area)
- Condition (structural and physiological)
- Quality (categorised A, B, C or U)
The findings of the survey are presented in an initial arboricultural report, which also includes the Tree Constraints Plan. The survey, initial report and Constraints Plan should be finalised prior to the design and planning application phases.
Do I need a BS 5837 Tree Survey?
What is a Root Protection Area (RPA)?
A Root Protection Area represents the projected unseen below ground portions of a tree or hedge. As it's not practical to accurately map the extent of these roots an approximate area is calculated using one of a number of formulae. The size and shape of this area may then be adjusted by the consulting arboriculturist in response to the rooting conditions on site. In the most straightforward cases, the root protection areas for a single stemmed tree is calculated as follows;
- Stem diameter (measured at 1.5m above the ground) x 12 = Root Protection Area Radius
The Root Protection Areas are calculated from measurements taken during the BS 5837 Tree Survey and are represented visually on the Tree Constraints Plan.
What is a Tree Constraints Plan?
A Tree Constraints Plan is a visual representation of the trees or hedges on, or close to, a given site. In addition to key site features the Constraints plan shows the following details of the trees and hedges;
- Location
- Canopy Spread
- Root Protection Area
- Shading Pattern
- Quality (categorised A, B, C or U)
The Constraints Plan helps the designer formulate a proposal that balances the client's needs against benefits of the existing vegetation. The Constraints Plan, and accompanying arboricultural report, should be finalised prior to the design and planning application phases.
What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment evaluates the effects of a specific design proposal on the existing trees and hedges and vice versa. The Impact Assessment details which trees are to be retained, which are to be removed, and what if any replacement planting is required. Where demolition, construction, storage or access activities have the potential to harm retained trees mitigation measures must also be outlined. These measures may include tree protection, appropriate root or branch pruning, and appropriate or specialist operational techniques.
The Impact Assessment is accompanied by a Tree Protection Plan that provides a visual representation of much of the assessments content. The Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Protection Plan should be finalised prior to the submission of a formal planning application.
Do I need an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
What is a Tree Protection Plan (TPP)?
A Tree Protection Plan is a visual representation of many of the key mitigation measures outlined in the Arboricultural Impact Assessment. The Tree Protection Plan is intended to guide development operations to eliminate or minimise harm to any trees or hedges that are to be retained post-development. Amongst other things the Tree Protection Plan will typically detail;
- Retained trees and hedges (including location, quality, canopy spread, Root Protection Area)
- Protective fencing
- Root protection measure (ground protection)
- Location of any specialist operational techniques
The Tree Protection Plan and Arboricultural Impact Assessment should be finalised prior to the submission of a formal planning application.
Do I need a Tree Protection Plan?
What is an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)?
An Arboricultural Method Statement will provide specific instructions on site operations that have the potential to adversely affect the above ground portions of trees and hedges, or their Root Protection Areas. Such guidance may cover the following operations;
- Tree Works and Tree Removals
- Protective Barrier Installation (including protective fencing and ground protection)
- Site Access and Storage
- Existing Structures and Hard Surfacing Removal
- Excavation
- Foundation and Retaining Structure Installation
- Hard Surface Installation
- Landscaping and Tree Planting
The Arboricultural Method Statement will contain a list of contact details for the relevant parties, and may also contain an auditable system of arboricultural site monitoring. The Method Statement will also be accompanied by the Tree Protection Plan. The Method Statement is commonly drawn-up following, and as a condition of, planning application approval.
Do I need an Arboricultural Method Statement?