Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans for planning applications, condition discharge and development projects across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and London.
An Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) and Tree Protection Plan (TPP) set out how retained trees will be protected during demolition and construction works.
They are often required where works are proposed close to trees, within Root Protection Areas, or where tree protection details are needed to support a planning application or discharge a planning condition.
Flow Tree Consultancy provides clear, practical AMS and TPP documents to help project teams understand the tree protection requirements before works start on site.
How AMS and TPP documents fit into the BS5837 process
Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans are usually prepared as part of the BS5837 process, following an initial tree survey and an Arboricultural Impact Assessment. These earlier stages identify the likely impacts of the proposed development on retained trees and establish where tree protection measures or sympathetic working methods may be needed.
They are commonly requested once the proposed layout is known and the likely impacts on retained trees have been assessed. In some cases, they are submitted with a planning application. In others, they are prepared later to discharge a planning condition attached to an approval.
Although they are normally provided together, the Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan do different things.
The Arboricultural Method Statement explains how specific works will be carried out where they could affect retained trees.
The Tree Protection Plan shows where physical protection measures will be installed on site.
Together, they provide the practical information needed to protect retained trees during the construction phase.
What is an Arboricultural Method Statement?
An Arboricultural Method Statement is a written document that explains how works near retained trees should be carried out.
It is used where construction activity, demolition, access, excavation, landscaping or other site operations may affect retained trees, their canopies, or their Root Protection Areas.
The method statement may include specific working methods for sensitive areas of the site, including:
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demolition close to retained trees
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proposed tree works or a schedule of tree works, where required
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removal of hard surfacing within Root Protection Areas
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excavation methods
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service routes and drainage
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new hard surfacing
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specialist foundations
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retaining structures
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changes in ground level
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landscaping works close to trees
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tree protection monitoring or supervision requirements
It explains how works near retained trees will be carried out, setting out clear methods to minimise impact on retained trees.
What is a Tree Protection Plan?
A Tree Protection Plan is a scaled plan that shows how retained trees will be protected on site.
It usually shows the retained trees, Root Protection Areas, tree protection fencing, construction exclusion zones, ground protection and any other physical measures needed to protect trees during demolition and construction.
Where relevant, the plan may also show where temporary ground protection is required, locations for temporary site facilities such as materials storage areas, welfare units or site offices, and where restricted works identified within the Arboricultural Method Statement need to be carried out.
A Tree Protection Plan helps turn the written method statement into clear site information, so that the required protection measures can be understood and set out before works begin.
When is an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan required?
An AMS and TPP may be required where development, demolition or site operations are proposed close to retained trees.
This is particularly relevant where works are proposed within or close to Root Protection Areas, beneath tree canopies, or where specific tree protection measures are needed to support a planning application or discharge a planning condition.
This can include planning applications, permitted development, demolition, site clearance, construction access, foundation works, drainage, service installation, hard surfacing, landscaping, or other works where retained trees could be affected.
For planning applications, tree protection documents may be submitted as part of the supporting arboricultural information where detailed protection measures are needed.
They are also often requested by local planning authorities as a planning condition.
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What the service includes
The exact contents depend on the site, the proposed works and the relationship between the development and retained trees.
Rather than simply identifying trees and constraints, the Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan provide the practical framework for protecting retained trees during the construction phase.
The documents typically bring together the key tree protection requirements for the project, including:
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a written Arboricultural Method Statement
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a scaled Tree Protection Plan
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proposed tree works or a schedule of tree works, where required
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tree protection fencing and ground protection details
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construction exclusion zones and restricted areas
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site-specific working methods for sensitive operations near retained trees
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construction sequencing where tree protection measures need to be installed or maintained at particular stages
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access, storage and site compound considerations
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service installation, drainage and surfacing requirements where relevant
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arboricultural supervision and monitoring requirements, where necessary
The aim is to provide a clear and coordinated set of instructions that can be followed by the project team, contractors and local planning authority throughout the works.
Supporting planning applications and condition discharge
Tree protection information needs to be clear enough to be understood by the people making decisions and by the people carrying out the work.
An AMS and TPP help demonstrate how retained trees will be protected throughout the development process, from site setup and demolition through to construction and landscaping works.
They provide the detailed information needed to show how tree protection measures will be implemented on site, while also giving contractors and project teams a practical framework to follow during the works. By setting out clear procedures and protection requirements, the documents help support planning submissions, condition discharge and construction-stage site management.
Where required, the documents can also identify points where arboricultural supervision or site monitoring may be needed, such as pre-commencement meetings, sensitive demolition, excavation within Root Protection Areas, or other construction activity close to retained trees.
Related BS5837 services
An Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan usually sit within the wider BS5837 process.
A BS5837 tree survey is required first to identify the trees on and around the site, their retention category, Root Protection Areas, canopy spreads, and the other constraints they may create.
Where a development proposal is available, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment can then consider how the proposal may affect retained trees, including any tree removals, pruning, incursions into Root Protection Areas or mitigation requirements.
The Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan then provide the methodology and protection measures needed to safeguard retained trees during demolition and construction.
Where needed, Arboricultural Clerk of Works input can also be provided to help monitor tree protection measures during the construction phase, and to supervise restricted activities.
Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans across the South East
Flow Tree Consultancy provides Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans for projects across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and London.
The service is suitable for homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants who need clear BS5837 tree protection information for planning applications, condition discharge or construction-stage site management.
Professional arboricultural advice
Flow Tree Consultancy is led by a qualified arboriculturalist with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, Professional Membership of the Arboricultural Association, LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection training, and a decade of industry experience.
This includes extensive experience providing arboricultural input for planning and development projects, including BS5837 surveys and reports, tree protection measures, and construction-stage arboricultural advice.
You can find out more about Flow Tree Consultancy’s qualifications, experience and professional approach on the About page.
Make an enquiry
If you need an Arboricultural Method Statement or Tree Protection Plan for a planning application, planning condition or development project, please get in touch by email: info@flowtrees.co.uk or use the contact form.
Please include the site address and any available plans, planning documents or local authority comments. This helps us understand what is required and provide the right advice.
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