The Difference Between A Tree Survey, An Arboricultural Impact Assessment & An Arboricultural Method Statement.
If you are submitting a planning application and there are trees located on or near to the site. There are a number of different tree surveys and assessments that the local planning authority could ask for, depending upon the context. With all of the surveys being given a similar, but not quite the same, name or title, it can be confusing and difficult to understand what the difference between each of them is. Here, we aim to provide some clarity regarding the different options available and what you get for your money in each one. If you’re looking for a tree survey to take place, then read on…
Tree Survey
The tree survey should be conducted to the British Standard 5837 and involves the survey and identification of each tree that is on or near the site. The survey will identify specific data about each tree, including the trees common and botanical name, the size and age of the tree, its overall health, the length of life expectancy, the crown spread and height and the trees Root Protection Area. All of the other reports and assessments will be based upon this initial survey, so it is a vital part of the planning process.
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment will identify which trees will be retained on site and which will be removed. It will also consider the impact that development plans could have on the trees that are to be retained on site, and vice versa. The health and the expected lifespan of the trees will be considered as the level of impact will depend on these factors. For example, if a tree is healthy and has a long lifespan, it will be impacted less severely than a tree that is unhealthy. Upon consideration of these factors, any measures that are needed to mitigate the impact will be recommended.
The Arboricultural Impact Assessment will also consider any alternative factors that may affect the development, such as Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) applied to any of the trees.
The Arboricultural Method Statement is the final stage of the process, with the purpose of specifying how any construction works will be carried out to ensure that the retained trees on site are not damaged.
This could include recommendations of protective fencing, pruning of the trees, machinery movement restrictions, consideration of soil compaction and methodology for the installation of under and above ground services. The method statement will be completed on a site-specific basis and will consider different aspects depending upon the development plans for the site and existing features on site.
These surveys and assessments are reliant upon the results of the others in order to be most effective and it is highly likely that each of these will be required when seeking planning permission for a site with trees present.
ProHort Ltd can provide all three different types of survey, working closely with you to ensure that your development can move ahead smoothly without being halted by the presence of trees. Why not check out our services for more information or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with our latest news.
The Benefits Of A Planting Plan
You may have heard of a planting plan and be wondering why you would choose to have one. What is the benefit compared to just laying the plants out yourself where you think they would look best. So, what are the benefits of a planting plan.
Having a planting plan completed before planting up your garden can have a number of different benefits, depending upon what you use your garden for and what you want to plant. These benefits include:
Tailored To Your Garden
Putting together a planting plan gives you the opportunity to identify what you want from your garden and then reflect that in the style of planting. For example, if you are looking for a sensory style garden, then the planting plan can include plants that have strong scents, bold colours and generate some sound in their movement such as the soft brushing sound of grasses in the wind. Alternatively, the planting plan might identify hardy plants if you are looking for a low maintenance garden or grasses if you prefer an Oriental style. It all depends on what you want!
By reviewing your requirements and incorporating them in to the planting plan before any work has been carried out, this enables you to ensure that your plan meets those requirements and brings you one step closer to having your dream garden.
Ensure Your Plants Thrive
As well as considering your requirements, a planting plan also considers other factors in the garden that may have an impact on the plants that grow there. These factors can include:
condition of the soil,
climate,
drainage,
available shelter or shade.
The plants chosen for your garden should then reflect these external conditions. This will ensure that they grow well in the conditions present.
Beneficial Planting Combinations
Beneficial planting combinations involves the planting of different types of plants that complement each other in close proximity. These will then grow well due to the complementary qualities of their neighbouring plants. Complementary plants can be identified by their growing patterns. For example, one plant is tall and narrow and the other provides ground cover – and by their similar feeding requirements. Alternatively, a crop or plant protection approach can be taken by utilising plants that attract certain pests to distract them from damaging important crops.
Best For You
ProHort can provide detailed planting plans, considering all of the factors required to design your perfect garden. Why not find out more on our Planting Plan page.
Why Is My Tree Protected?
Have you been wondering, ‘why is my tree protected?’ or why some trees have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) applied to them, and others have not? Is there a tree on your property which has a TPO and you are not sure why it is protected?
A tree preservation order is made by your local planning authority. Which makes it an offence to lop, uproot, cut down or willfully damage or destroy a tree without the permission of the local authority. Intending to protect trees that have a high amenity value to the surrounding area.
Reason for a TPO can include:
Trees that have historical importance,
Trees that are particularly rare,
Trees that are highly visible to the public,
Trees that are of a certain size, form and health combined with how it fits with the surrounding area,
Trees that will have a detrimental impact on the surroundings in the event of their removal or death.
Conservation Areas
There is a slightly different approach taken to trees that are within a conservation area. Trees that have a TPO applied to them within a conservation area should be dealt with in accordance with normal Tree Preservation Order stipulations. However, in the case of trees that are based within a conservation area but do not have a TPO applied to them, a minimum of 6 weeks’ notice must be given to the local authority before any work is due to start. The local authority may then consider applying a TPO to that tree.
What Work Can Be Done?
There are certain works that can be carried out on trees that have a TPO applied to them, including:
The removal of dead branches from a living tree,
The removal of a dead tree,
The removal of a tree that is in the way of a development project, which has received planning permission,
The cutting or pruning of a tree that presents an urgent safety risk,
The cutting or pruning of trees in line with the Forestry Commission’s grant scheme or under obligation under an Act of Parliament.
Any other works would require an application to be submitted to the local authority. This application should be submitted prior to work taking place, and permission must be received before any work commences.
How Can We Help?
ProHort provide a range of Tree Preservation Order related services.
Including application and appeal submissions and TPO searches to help you to identify if one of your trees has a TPO applied to it.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can help you?
Designing Your Garden Around Your Lifestyle
Every one of us is different in some way, and that includes the way that we use our garden. When you are considering making big changes to your garden, you will want that new garden design to compliment your lifestyle. So, how do you go about doing that? Here are some tips for designing your garden depending on your lifestyle and needs.
Low Maintenance Garden Design
If you want a lovely garden but do not want to spend a lot of time on its upkeep, then your garden design should be low maintenance. You can achieve this by:
Choosing hardy evergreens, shrubs, ferns, and grasses which will require very little maintenance once established and give shape to your borders.
Increasing the amount of hard landscaping in your garden, reducing the size of your borders and lawn or perhaps even getting rid of them altogether.
Considering hardwood fencing or furniture instead of softwood. Softwood will require more maintenance than hardwood.
Family Friendly Garden Design
If you are looking for a garden that is suitable for your family to spend time in, you can achieve this through:
Allocating a separate play zone that is filled with child friendly plants and is protected by fencing. This will allow children to run wild without having to worry about their safety.
Considering a built-in trampoline, which is constructed to be level with the ground to eliminate the risk of falling.
Reducing the amount of water in the garden, removing ponds or water features.
Sensory Gardens
Designed to stimulate the senses, including vision, sound, touch and smell, a sensory garden is ideal for children and individuals with sensory processing disorders. To incorporate a sensory element into your garden design, consider:
Incorporating hard landscaping to allow easy access to all areas of the garden. Consider making any footpaths wider with sweeping curves if they are to be used by a wheelchair user.
Choosing plants that stimulate the different senses, such as plants that are highly aromatic, have interesting textures or make a noise as the wind passes through them.
Install features of interest, such as wind chimes or sculptures, or perhaps pebbles that change colour as they get wet.
There are many different options for making your garden fit you and your lifestyle.
ProHort Ltd provide a bespoke landscape design service which will allow you to see your dream garden before the work has even started. Find out more here.
and height and the trees Root Protection Area. All of the other reports and assessments will be based upon this initial survey, so it is a vital part of the planning process.
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Beneficial Planting Combinations
