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.
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.
A Tree Survey for Planning establishes baseline arboricultural information under BS 5837, including:
This survey forms the foundation of all BS 5837 planning work, including AIAs and Tree Protection Plans.
| 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.
Clear reporting that keeps planning timelines stable.
Constraints explained in a way architects can use immediately.
Reports designed to answer LPA questions up front.
Clean, confident evidence aligned with BS 5837.
You’re likely to need a planning tree survey if:
If trees sit anywhere close to your proposal, planners will expect clear BS 5837 evidence.
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:
Weak or incomplete data leads to validation delays, requests for additional surveys or redesign.
A complete BS 5837 baseline survey:
Need a Tree Survey for Planning? Send your site details and we’ll confirm exactly what’s required.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
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We cover many areas across England and Wales. Click below to find out more.
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:
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.
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:
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.
