BS5837 tree surveys for planning and development projects across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and London.
Flow Tree Consultancy provides clear, professional BS5837 tree surveys and reports for homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants. The survey helps identify tree-related constraints at an early stage, supporting site design, planning applications and informed decision-making where trees are present on or close to a development site.
A BS5837 tree survey is often the starting point for arboricultural input on a project. It records the trees on and around the site, assesses their condition and quality, and provides the baseline information needed to understand how trees may influence proposed development.
What is a BS5837 tree survey?
A BS5837 tree survey is an arboricultural survey carried out in accordance with BS5837:2012, the British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.
The survey records information about trees, groups of trees, hedges and relevant woody vegetation on or near a site. This includes details such as species, dimensions, condition, life stage, estimated remaining contribution and BS5837 retention category.
The purpose is not simply to list trees. A BS5837 survey helps identify which trees are likely to be important constraints, which trees may be more readily removed or replaced, and how retained trees might influence the design of a development.
When is a BS5837 tree survey needed?
A BS5837 tree survey usually includes a site inspection, a tree schedule and a Tree Constraints Plan.
The tree schedule records the key survey information for each relevant tree, group or hedge. This normally includes:
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tree reference number
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species
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height
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stem diameter
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crown spread
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canopy clearance
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life stage
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physiological and structural condition
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preliminary management recommendations, where relevant
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estimated remaining contribution
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BS5837 retention category grading
The Tree Constraints Plan shows the surveyed trees in relation to the site. It typically includes tree positions, crown spreads, BS5837 category colours and Root Protection Areas.
Root Protection Areas, often shortened to RPAs, are an important part of the BS5837 process. They indicate the minimum area around retained trees where roots and soil structure should be protected. These areas can have a significant influence on layout, access, construction methods and tree protection requirements.
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How the survey supports design and planning
The best time to undertake a BS5837 tree survey is early in the design process, before the layout is fixed.
Early arboricultural input can help the project team understand where trees may constrain development and where there may be more flexibility. This can reduce the risk of avoidable design conflicts, planning delays or later changes to the scheme.
The survey provides an early understanding of tree-related constraints and opportunities, helping to identify potential issues before designs are fixed or planning applications are submitted. It offers clarity on how existing trees may influence a project, highlighting any constraints that could affect proposed works, and helping to avoid unexpected issues later in the process.
What happens after the BS5837 tree survey?
The BS5837 tree survey and Tree Constraints Plan are usually the first stage of the arboricultural process.
Depending on the project, the survey will usually lead into further arboricultural reporting, such as:
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Arboricultural Impact Assessment
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Tree Protection Plan
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Arboricultural Method Statement
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arboricultural supervision or site monitoring
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment considers how the proposed development may affect trees and how trees may affect the development. A Tree Protection Plan sets out the practical protection measures needed for retained trees. An Arboricultural Method Statement explains how specific works near trees will be carried out to reduce the risk of damage.
Not every project will need every document. The level of information required depends on the site, the trees, the planning context and the nature of the proposed development.
Topographical surveys and site plans
A measured topographical survey is recommended wherever possible for BS5837 work. This provides an accurate base plan showing relevant site features and tree positions, helping the tree survey information to be plotted clearly and reliably.
Where a suitable topographical survey is not available, Flow Tree Consultancy can advise on the options. In some cases, alternative mapping may be used.
What we need to provide a quote
The key information needed for a BS5837 tree survey quote is the site address. This allows an initial review of the site and helps estimate the likely number of trees and the resources required.
Where available, it is also helpful to provide:
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a red line boundary plan
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existing and proposed layout plans
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a topographical survey
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details of the proposed development
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any planning comments or validation requirements from the local planning authority
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relevant deadlines
In some cases, additional information may be needed before a reliable quote can be provided. For example, where site boundaries are unclear, a red line plan may be required.
For more detail, see our blog on what information is needed to get a BS5837 quote quickly and accurately.
BS5837 tree surveys across the South East
Flow Tree Consultancy provides BS5837 tree surveys and arboricultural reports across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and London.
The service is suitable for homeowners, architects, developers, planning consultants, schools, estates and other landowners involved in planning or development projects where trees may be affected.
Speak to Flow Tree Consultancy
If you need a BS5837 tree survey for a planning application or development project, email Flow Tree Consultancy at info@flowtrees.co.uk or use the contact form below.
Please include the site address as a starting point. If you have plans, planning comments or a topographical survey, these can also help us understand the project and provide a more accurate quote.
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