Author: Emma Candlin

Construction Exclusion Zone

What is a Construction Exclusion Zone?

This involves us creating a plan of any and all trees both on and off the site that could be affected by the construction of the new project. This is different to a Tree protection plan which only identifies trees that can be impacted by the build itself. The Construction Exclusion Zone report and survey identifies trees that would be impacted, for example, at the entrance of the site or even along the roadway which may be 50m or more from the new build. 

The objective is to protect all the trees that may be potentially damaged or even have a small element of risk of being damaged during the construction phase. The risk may come from delivery lorries, parking of construction traffic, storage of materials within the root zone areas, chemical and diesel spills etc.  Planning officers sometimes request these documents as part of the Tree survey pack after the tree survey has been submitted. We find this is a significant factor in delaying planning and as such we would recommend supplying this report as a standard with the objective of ensuring the planning for your project is not delayed.

Next Steps...

 Please give us a ring on 01782 479479 (Head office) or get in contact with us get in contact with us to discuss your project with you in detail to ensure we know exactly what you require, as well as what the Local Planning Authority have requested.

We will then be able to give you a quote for the work and as soon as you have paid the site survey is then booked in. Typically we conduct all site surveys within 2 working days and all reports are completed within two days of the survey.

We aim to provide great customer service which is why we have so many repeat clients. We look forward to speaking to you!

 

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Tree Constraints Plan

Tree Root Damage Investigation

Tree Protection Plan

What is a Tree Protection Plan?

You need a Tree Protection Plan when applying for planning permission as this will always be required by the town planners. 

The purpose of the Tree Protection Plan (TPP) is to illustrate all the trees that are to be retained. This would include accurately showing the spread of the trees to the four cardinal points (North, East, South & West). It would also include showing where the protective fencing would be erected so as to protect the trees roots and canopy.

 

See below example of a TPP as part of a tree survey to the B5837:2012 standard:

How do I Know if a Tree Has a TPO (Tree Protection Order)?

The first way is to take a look at the actual tree, often they have a silver metal tag attached to the tree to identify them with a number. As this is not always the case, you can then check the council website as some councils will have a web page with all trees that have a TPO on them identified on a virtual map. The final way is to make direct contact and request the information in writing.

How Close Can I Dig to a Tree That Has a TPO?

On the TPP you can see a black line outlining the Tree Protection Fencing. The objective of that fencing is to stop any digging within the area called the “Root zone.” The root zone is calculated, the figures are put into the Tree survey and that information is then laid out visually on the Tree Protection Plan. If a tree has a TPO this will influence the design of the building and where it is situated. Typically, the Town planners would not allow the removal of a tree with a TPO.

What happens if I Cut Down a Tree With a TPO?

We have known developers cut down trees with a TPO as they felt impacted significantly with their development. We would not recommend this course of action as by felling a TPO tree this can mean you are fined up to £20,000. If you carry out some work or damage a tree with a TPO without permission then this can result in a fine of £2,500. 

If work needs to be carried out on any tree but especially one with a TPO on it we can assist by applying on your behalf,, filling out all the necessary applications and giving well thought out reasons that the work is required so as to ensure a successful application.

 
Tree Preservation Orders

Contact Us:

If you have any questions with regards Tree Protection Plans and Preservation Orders please give us a ring on: 01782 479479 (Head office) or contact us.

 

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Tree Constraints Plan

Construction Exclusion Zone

Tree Constraints Plan

What is a Tree Constraints Plan?

Tree constraints plans (TCP) are usually part of the Tree survey which is carried out to the BS 3857:2012 standard. The information is usually displayed upon a plan and within a chart, the plan is drawn using CAD and this is then layered directly on to a topographical site survey. It would include the; Tree locations, Root Protection Area, Crown spreads, along with pictures of the trees in relation to the site.

Why Are Tree Constraints Plans Useful?

The dimensions of all the trees are included within the chart and these are then plotted onto the plan. This enables a realistic shape of each tree to be plotted, additionally the root zone is also plotted along with a root protection area around each tree. This in turn assists the architects when setting out their building, roadways, other hard paved areas and street furniture.

As part of the Tree constraints plan we would categorise each tree from A to C and U if the tree is dead or needs to be removed immediately. Trees that are categorised as “A” are excellent specimens and add significant amenity value or are particularly rare. Category ”B” trees are those that are not quite to the same standard as a “A” tree but are nevertheless important trees within the landscape, add a good amount of amenity value and have a significant life span and as such would ideally be kept. Category “C” trees are low in value, or may have a significant defect with limited life span.

 

Please see below for a typical Tree Constraints Plan:

Example of Tree Constraints Plan

Contact Us For a Tree Constraints Plan Today!

If you need any assistance or advice with regards a Tree Constraints Plan especially if required for planning permission. Please do get in touch on 01782 479479 (Head Office) or drop us an email on: [email protected]

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Tree Protection Plan

Construction Exclusion Zone

Root Protection Areas

What are Root Protection Areas?

These are normally in connection to tree surveys and the construction of an extension or a new build. As the name indicates the objective is to create an area where excavation does not take place or heavy construction traffic does not enter. By restricting the access of vehicles, the storage of materials and excavation within this area we are protecting the roots of the tree(s) and ensuring they are safe and free to flourish.

Root protection areas are always included in Tree surveys that are carried out to the British Standard 5837:2012. As qualified arboriculturists we have the added benefit of having years of experience dealing with Local Planning Authorities. For you this means we can ensure that everything is included in the report that your Local Planning Authority will require and that it is in a format that will satisfy their requirements. The benefit to you is that your planning permission will go through unhindered!

How Do You Calculate Root Protections Areas?

This is calculated from information gathered from the Tree survey, in particular the diameter of the trunk at 1.5m is a necessary measurement to calculate the RPA. To calculate the diameter, you measure the circumference of the tree and divide by 3.14156 (pi). This will give you the accurate diameter and you then multiply this by 12 to give you the radius of the RPA.

How We Lay Out Our RPA's:

As can be seen below the trees are identified and placed on a Land registry title deed plan. We then overlap the “Crown spread” and this is colour coded to the Category of tree. The Root Protection Area is then laid on top of this. By doing this it clearly identifies the area that should not be accessed by machines, materials, or people excavating.

Root protection areas example

As this plan was for a Tree Subsidence report we have also included where we took the soil sample from.

Can I Build Over the Root Protection Zone?

There are a number of ways around this. Firstly, we could look at what the tree has been categorised as and whether it be removed. If the tree has been categorised as a C1 this means it has low value and there should be little reason as to why it cannot be removed. If the tree had been categorised as “B1” or “A1” tree it would be far more difficult to argue it should be removed.

Where the tree can not be removed and the proposed building works cannot be moved to outside the root protection area, we then need to work with the architect. There are certain types of foundation that are not recommended within the root protection area such as trench foundations. However other types of foundation such as pile foundations can work well. If digging is required to take place within the root protection area, we can use an air spade to ensure no damage to the root system occurs.

Contact Us for More Information on Root Protection Areas:

If you need a Tree survey or a report identifying the Root Protection Area then please do get in touch on 01782 479479 or email us email us on: [email protected].