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Tree Surveys for Planning (BS 5837)

Tree Surveys for Planning

BS 5837 surveys that identify tree constraints, protect your layout and give planners the evidence they need for validation and approval. 

Tree constraints surface early in planning. Root protection areas, canopy spread, shading, retention categories and access routes all influence whether your design is workable. A Tree Survey for Planning sets out the facts clearly, helping your project progress without avoidable redesigns. 

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Where trees meet design, clarity avoids delays

Even small projects run into issues if tree constraints aren’t understood early. A planning-ready tree survey shows what can be retained, what can be removed and how your proposal interacts with every relevant tree.

What is a Tree Survey for Planning?

A Tree Survey for Planning establishes baseline arboricultural information under BS 5837, including: 

  • species, height and stem diameter 
  • crown spread, canopy form and condition 
  • root protection areas (RPAs) 
  • retention categories (A, B, C, U) 
  • life expectancy and management considerations 
  • constraints mapping for design teams 

This survey forms the foundation of all BS 5837 planning work, including AIAs and Tree Protection Plans. 

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Tree Surveys for Planning

The Planning Tree Survey Process

Step Description
1. Initial Review Send your address, layout (if available) and any LPA notes.
2. On-Site Survey Measurement of all relevant trees and identification of constraints.
3. Mapping & Interpretation RPAs and crown spreads mapped for design reference.
4. Recommendations Guidance for design teams, including constraints and opportunities.
5. Reporting A planning-ready BS 5837 survey suitable for submission or use in an AIA.

We keep guidance clear and planning-ready — supporting predictable project delivery. 

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Our Approach

Predictable Delivery

Clear reporting that keeps planning timelines stable.

Design Aware

Constraints explained in a way architects can use immediately.

Planning Focused

Reports designed to answer LPA questions up front.

Technical Clear

Clean, confident evidence aligned with BS 5837.

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Do I need a Tree Survey for my application?

You’re likely to need a planning tree survey if: 

  • trees are on or near the development area 
  • access routes, foundations or services cross RPAs 
  • crown spread influences design or shading 
  • your LPA mentions BS 5837 
  • your architect highlights potential conflicts 
  • you’re proposing extensions, new builds or layout changes 
  • your PEA flags arboricultural constraints 

If trees sit anywhere close to your proposal, planners will expect clear BS 5837 evidence. 

Why this Matters for Planning

Trees are a material consideration under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, and LPAs must ensure development respects BS 5837 guidance. 
Clear evidence is essential for: 

  • validation 
  • retention decisions 
  • layout acceptability 
  • construction access 
  • mitigation requirements 
  • tree protection conditions 

Weak or incomplete data leads to validation delays, requests for additional surveys or redesign. 

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Do I need a Tree Survey for my application?

A complete BS 5837 baseline survey: 

  • tree identification and condition assessment 
  • stem diameter, height and crown spread 
  • retention category allocation 
  • root protection area calculations 
  • life expectancy and management notes 
  • above- and below-ground constraints 
  • CAD-ready mapping (where required) 
  • planning-ready summary for decision-makers 

Suitable For:

  • extensions
  • new builds 
  • multi-unit schemes
  • commercial projects 
  • architects
  • planning consultants 
  • property developers
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Case Note

A rear extension proposal conflicted with crown spread and the RPA of two category B trees.
Baseline BS 5837 data showed one tree was suitable for retention, while the other had structural defects and limited life expectancy. Clear categorisation justified partial redesign and supported removal of the lower-quality tree. The updated layout was accepted without further arboricultural queries.
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Your Next Step

Need a Tree Survey for Planning? Send your site details and we’ll confirm exactly what’s required. 

Phone: 0800 494 7479 
 Email: [email protected] 

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Areas We Cover

We cover many areas across England and Wales. Click below to find out more.

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Tree Survey FAQs

What is a BS5837 tree survey?

A BS5837 tree survey is a detailed assessment of trees on or near a development site, carried out in accordance with British Standard BS5837:2012. It provides essential information on tree quality, constraints, and how trees should be protected during construction to support a planning application.

If there are trees on or adjacent to your site, most Local Planning Authorities will require a BS5837 tree survey to validate your application. This ensures trees are properly considered within the design and that any impacts are clearly assessed.

A typical BS5837 survey includes:

  • Tree identification and categorisation
  • Measurements such as height, crown spread, and stem diameter
  • Tree condition and life expectancy
  • Root Protection Areas
  • Constraints and development implications
  • A Tree Constraints Plan for design teams

A tree survey records baseline tree data, while an Arboricultural Impact Assessment evaluates how a proposed development will affect those trees. Both are usually required together for planning submissions.

The site survey itself is often completed within a few hours for small sites, with the full report typically issued within a few working days depending on site complexity and the number of trees involved.

A Root Protection Area is a calculated zone around a tree that must be protected to ensure its survival during development. It is a key constraint used by architects and planners when designing site layouts.

While it is possible to measure trees yourself, planning authorities require surveys to be carried out by a qualified arboricultural consultant. This ensures the report is accurate, compliant, and suitable for validation.

Removing trees without proper assessment can lead to planning refusal, enforcement action, or legal issues, especially if trees are protected. A BS5837 survey helps avoid these risks by providing a clear, compliant framework.

Are all trees included in a BS5837 survey?

All trees within the site and those within influencing distance of the development are typically included. This ensures any potential impacts, including those from neighbouring land, are properly considered.

BS5837:2012 is the British Standard that sets out how trees should be assessed and managed in relation to construction. Following this standard ensures consistency, protects valuable trees, and supports successful planning outcomes.

No. In fact, submitting a BS5837 survey early helps avoid delays. Applications submitted without the required arboricultural information are often deemed invalid by the Local Planning Authority.

You can review validation requirements directly on your Local Planning Authority website. For example, guidance can be found via the Planning Portal or your local council such as:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/trees-and-hedges

Depending on the project, you may also need:

  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment
  • Tree Protection Plan
  • Arboricultural Method Statement
    These documents work together to demonstrate compliance and protect trees throughout development.

There is no fixed expiry, but surveys are generally considered valid for around 12 months. If site conditions change or significant time has passed, an updated survey may be required.

Yes. A well prepared survey identifies constraints early, allowing designers to work with existing trees rather than against them. This can improve planning outcomes and enhance the overall development value.

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