BS5837 TREE SURVEY FOR PLANNING
You're so close to getting planning permission...and then you're asked for a BS5837 survey. Sound familiar?
As part of the planning permission process, it will almost certainly be a requirement to undertake a tree survey and submit a report - all in accordance with British Standard 5837:2012 Tree Assessment for Planning.
Need a BS5837 tree survey? Click here to get in touch
What Is A BS5837 Survey?
A tree survey is an assessment made by an expert in arboriculture of a tree, or group of trees, for various different purposes. One of these purposes is to assess the trees within a construction site.
Building, construction, and property extension sites tend to be populated with existing trees; some must be removed to enable the building work to progress, whilst others can remain. It must then be detailed how to protect the remaining trees during construction.
Town planners often ask homeowners and construction companies to obtain a BS5837 tree survey when planning applications for building developments and property extensions are submitted.
As part of the survey, you may receive some or all of these details, depending on the site itself:
- Detail of each tree, including its species, size, quality and value to the landscape.
- Tree Constraints Plan and all of it's components.
- An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) that assesses the impact the planned works may have on the trees.
- A method statement, detailing how the construction should be carried in a way that considers and protects nearby trees.
- Root protection zones, identified to protect a tree's rooting system.
- Details, drawings, plans and specifications regarding issues such as shade and future crown sizes.
(BTW, not everyone needs planning permission. Not sure if you do? Visit the Planning Portal to find out.)
An ecological survey is sometimes necessary alongside a BS5837 to identify the wildlife residing within the construction site. This type of survey is also offered at Bawden Tree Care; you can read more about obtaining an ecological survey here.
The Process
Never requested a BS5837 before? Not sure how it works? It's not nice being in the dark about these things, so here's what you can expect.
Step 1 - Enquiry
You can get in touch a few ways: call us on 01980 623015, email us at info@bawdentreecare.co.uk, click the Facebook Messenger icon at the bottom-right of this page, or fill out the enquiry form at the bottom of this page. So many options! We do spoil you. Whichever way you choose to get in touch, our Tree Care Manager, Adam, will be there to help get the process started.
Step 2- Preparation
Next, we need all the information we can get about the construction site. In some cases, this might mean popping on over to visit the site prior to the survey, whilst in other cases, comprehensive site plans, maps and images will do the trick. Don't worry, we'll keep you in the loop about everything we need.
Step 3 - The Survey
Now for the big moment! The surveyor will visit the site and complete the survey. This is usually completed from the ground, but sometimes an aerial inspection is required. Depending on access, you may or may not need to be present for the survey.
Step 4 - The Report
How soon you receive your tree report is dependent on factors such as the size of the survey. When you do receive the report, it will land directly in your email inbox. The wonders of technology! This is the document you need to submit to whoever requested the survey - most likely a town planner. You will then be invoiced after receiving your report.
FAQs
Got another query? Let's see if we can help you.
Q: Why should I choose you to do my survey?
A: We have a few answers for you here! (Not to blow our own trumpet or anything...)
You can get both the survey and any subsequent works from one, single contractor.
You shouldn't have to go through the hassle of sourcing a tree surveyor, then having to find a separate contractor to undertake the report's recommended tree works. You'll get access to a knowledgeable surveyor and a team of top-notch tree surgeons all in one place. Winner winner, chicken dinner.
Not only this, we can handle any Tree Preservation Order and conservation area applications so that you don't have to. Also, as licensed waste carriers, we always remove the waste after tree works (unless you don't want us to!).
Basically, what we're saying is that you don't have to worry about a thing - it's all in hand.
Works will never be recommended unnecessarily.
As arborists, tree conservation is high on our list of priorities. The appropriate action is always taken to eradicate potential hazards; however, where possible, we use various techniques to retain trees. With the ongoing climate crisis at the forefront of everyone's minds, we believe this is a really important factor in our work.
We don't miss a beat.
The last thing you need is something slowing the planning process down; it's vital nothing is missed during your survey to avoid this. Not only do we possess a nice handful of accreditations for your peace of mind - but we are also trusted by many big names such as Wiltshire Council, Help for Heroes and Serco.
Accreditations and associations we hold:
(Psst, read more about our accreditations here!)
Trusted by many well-established clients:
Q: How much will the survey cost?
A: The cost of a BS5837 varies greatly depending on many factors, including the size of the site. To obtain an accurate quote that suits your specific circumstances, please fill out the enquiry form at the bottom of the page.
Q: Am I in your catchment area?
A: We're based in Amesbury, nearby to Salisbury in Wiltshire, but we undertake tree surveys in various counties across Central-South England:
Q: How accurate are your surveys?
A: All our BS5837 surveys are completed in accordance with BS5837:2012 Tree Assessment for Planning, so you can rest assured all of the appropriate protocols are met.
In addition to this, the latest software from Pear Technology is loaded to hand-held GPS devices to produce digital drawings and maps that suit your individual requirements. Not only has investment in this technology increased our onsite productivity, but it also allows us to plot trees accurately and efficiently.
With years of experience and maintained training such as the Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture and Professional Tree Inspector (PTI) course, you can rest assured that your survey will be as accurate as possible.
Get the ball rolling today
Simply fill out the enquiry form at the end of this page to enquire.
PLEASE NOTE: We will contact you back and request you to send us the site plans or architectural drawings if you have them and the full address of your development.
Alternatively, you can call us on 01980 623015, email us at info@bawdentreecare.co.uk, or click the Facebook Messenger icon in the bottom-left of your screen.
