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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

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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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].

Tree Root Damage Investigation

What is a Tree Root Damage Investigation?

A tree root damage investigation looks at whether or not a tree has caused any physical damage to either a property or other hard landscaped area. This includes; foundations, underground pipes, walls, fences, tarmac, concrete or paved areas etc. A tree root damage survey is particularly relevant if you are trying to identify if your tree or a neighbour’s tree has caused the damage.

We can also look at the potential damage a tree may cause in the future. This is a particularly useful survey for property management companies.

Who has a Tree Root Damage Investigation?

The Tree Damage Assessment takes two different avenues, firstly the actual physical damage caused and secondly the potential damage a tree could cause in the future. As such we often have two different groups of people looking for a Tree Root Damage Survey – those who are sure a tree has already caused damage and those who are concerned a tree may cause damage in the future, (this maybe their own tree or a neighbours tree).

Our ‘Potential Tree Root Damage Investigation’ is typically useful for the following three types of client:

  1. Homeowners who want to plant trees near a property.
  2. Property Management companies where they are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of a site.
  3. Landlords or homeowners that are concerned about a tree planted by a neighbour and its potential to cause damage.

For Property Management companies this type of survey can help tick health and safety boxes for trees especially when in connection to a ‘Tree Health Survey’.

Tree Root Damage Survey - Tree Root Damage Investigation

What if my Neighbour Doesn't Accept Liability?

Our reports are perfect if a neighbour’s tree has caused damage to your property fences and boundary walls. They are factual, simple to understand and clearly show where the liability is. We can also include accurate estimates for many types of remedial work.

If the neighbour fails to compensate you for the damage caused by their tree, we can write a Part 35 compliant report. This type of report is written in a way that is acceptable to the courts and will be needed by your solicitors if you decide to take the adjacent land owner to court.

Contact Us

For further advise or to book a Tree Root Damage Survey please ring us on 01782 479479 or contact us by email.

We are here to help so please do give us a ring any time as the phone will usually be answered between 7am and 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday.

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