Do I Need a BS5837 Tree Survey for My Planning Application?

If you are submitting a planning application and there are trees on or close to the site, the local planning authority may require a BS5837 tree survey or arboricultural report.

The short answer is: you may need one if trees could be affected by the proposed development, or if trees could influence the design, layout, access, construction method or future use of the site.

This does not only apply to large development sites. A BS5837 tree survey may also be relevant for house extensions, replacement dwellings, garden plots, new driveways, outbuildings, demolition works and smaller residential projects where trees are nearby.

The need for a survey depends on the site, the proposed works, the trees present and the planning context.

Who is this article for?

This article is for homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants who are preparing or supporting a planning application where trees may be a consideration.

It is particularly relevant if:

• there are trees within the site;

• there are trees close to the site boundary;

• neighbouring trees overhang the site or sit close to the proposed works;

• trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order;

• the site is within a Conservation Area;

• the local planning authority has requested arboricultural information;

• the proposed layout, access, foundations or construction area may affect trees.

For more detail on the service itself, see Flow Tree Consultancy’s Planning and Development page.

What is a BS5837 tree survey?

A BS5837 tree survey is a tree survey carried out in accordance with BS 5837: Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. Recommendations. 

BS5837:2012 as the current standard, although it is under review.

The purpose of a BS5837 survey is to identify trees on or near a development site and assess how they may influence the proposed works. It helps the design team, applicant and local planning authority understand tree-related constraints before decisions are made.

A BS5837 survey typically records information such as:

• tree species;

• height;

• stem diameter;

• crown spread;

• age class;

• physiological and structural condition, meaning the tree’s general health and structural form;

• estimated remaining contribution;

• BS5837 retention category;

• Root Protection Area;

• tree-related constraints.

This information is usually shown in a tree schedule and on a Tree Constraints Plan.

Do you always need a BS5837 survey for planning?

No. Not every planning application needs a BS5837 survey.

You are more likely to need one where trees are present on or near the site and could be affected by development. You may not need one where there are no relevant trees, no nearby trees, or no realistic tree-related impacts.

However, trees do not need to be directly inside the proposed building footprint to matter. Trees can influence a project through their roots, crowns, shade, future growth, or relationship with the finished development.

A useful way to think about it is this:

If trees could affect the design, or the design could affect trees, a BS5837 survey may be needed.

BS5837 states that all trees with RPAs and/or canopies extending within the site should be surveyed.

When is a BS5837 tree survey likely to be needed?

A BS5837 tree survey may be needed for a planning application where the proposal involves:

• building close to trees;

• demolition close to trees;

• new access routes or driveways near trees;

• changes to ground levels near trees;

• excavation or trenching near trees;

• new hard surfacing near trees;

• development within a garden containing trees;

• construction close to boundary trees;

• works near trees on neighbouring land;

• sites containing woodland, groups of trees or significant hedgerows;

• protected trees or trees in a Conservation Area;

• planning conditions requiring tree protection details.

For smaller projects, this often arises during extensions, new garages, replacement dwellings, garden development or driveway works.

For larger developments, BS5837 tree constraints help inform layout, levels, access, drainage, services and buildability.

In both cases, it is important to commission a BS5837 report early in the design process.

Can neighbouring trees matter?

Yes. This is one of the most common misunderstandings.

A tree does not need to be growing inside your site to be relevant to a planning application. Trees on neighbouring land can still have roots, crowns or protection areas that extend into the development site.

For example, neighbouring trees may influence:

• where foundations can be placed;

• How foundations are designed / installed;

• whether excavation is likely to be acceptable;

• whether protective fencing is needed;

• whether pruning is required;

• whether the finished development would create pressure for future pruning or removal.

This is why BS5837 surveys will consider trees both on and adjacent to the site.

What about Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas?

Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas can be relevant, but they are not the same as BS5837.

A Tree Preservation Order protects specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity. Government guidance explains that a TPO can prohibit cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage and wilful destruction without consent.

In a Conservation Area, you normally need to give the local planning authority six weeks’ notice before carrying out works to trees that meet the relevant criteria, unless a TPO applies.

For a planning application, protected tree status may increase the need for clear arboricultural information. However, unprotected are still relevant, particularly if they are important to the site, local character, amenity, landscape or the proposed development.

What information might be required?

The exact information required will depend on the project, planning conditions and impacts on trees.  A simple domestic extension with no trees on site may require less information that a larger or more constrained development.

A BS5837 package may include the following.

Tree Survey and Tree Constraints Plan

The tree survey records relevant trees on and around the site.

The Tree Constraints Plan shows the constraints posed by retained trees, including canopy spreads, Root Protection Areas and retention categories. This plan can help the design team understand where trees may influence layout, access, levels, services, drainage and construction space.

This is the starting point for BS5837 work.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment, often shortened to AIA, considers how the proposed development may affect trees.

This may include impacts from:

• tree removal;

• construction within Root Protection Areas;

• pruning;

• changes in levels;

• new hard surfaces;

• access routes;

• service runs;

• demolition;

• future pressure on retained trees.

The AIA helps explain whether the development is likely to have an acceptable impact on trees and what mitigation or special measures may be needed.

Arboricultural Method Statement

An Arboricultural Method Statement, or AMS, explains how works will be carried out where trees need to be protected during demolition or construction.

It may include details for:

• working near retained trees;

• installing protective fencing;

• using ground protection;

• construction within or near Root Protection Areas;

• site access and storage restrictions;

• demolition precautions;

• supervision by an arboriculturist.

This is often required where works are close to retained trees or where the local planning authority needs confidence that the proposal can be built without unacceptable tree damage.

Tree Protection Plan

A Tree Protection Plan shows the practical protection measures needed on site.

This may include the position of tree protection fencing, ground protection, construction exclusion zones, access routes and areas where storage or construction activity will be restricted.

A Tree Protection Plan is usually a key document for contractors because it translates the arboricultural recommendations into site controls.

Arboricultural Clerk of Works

Some projects may require arboricultural monitoring during construction.

An Arboricultural Clerk of Works can attend pre-start meetings, check tree protection measures, oversee sensitive works near trees, monitor compliance with planning conditions and provide site monitoring reports where required.

This is more common where works are proposed close to retained trees or where planning conditions require arboricultural supervision.

When should you arrange a BS5837 tree survey?

Ideally, a BS5837 tree survey should be arranged early enough to inform the design.

If the survey is left until after the design is fixed, there is a greater risk that tree constraints are discovered late. That can lead to redesign, delays, additional reports or avoidable issues during planning.

For architects, developers, and homeowners, early BS5837 input can help identify whether trees are likely to affect layout, access, levels, parking, foundations or construction methodology before submitting a planning application.

What should you provide when asking for a quote?

When enquiring about a BS5837 tree survey, it is useful to provide:

• the site address;

• a brief description of the proposed development;

• existing site plans, if available;

• proposed drawings, if available;

• a red line boundary plan, if available;

• a topographical survey, if available;

• the planning reference, if one already exists;

• any comments from the local planning authority;

• any known TPO or Conservation Area information;

You do not need to have everything ready before asking for advice, but the more information you can provide, the easier it is to understand the likely scope of work and provide a quote quickly.

Common misunderstandings about BS5837 surveys

“There is only one tree, so I will not need a survey.”

A single tree can still be important, particularly if it is close to the proposed works, protected, prominent, of a significant size, or likely to influence design and construction.

“The tree is outside my boundary, so it does not matter.”

Neighbouring trees can still be relevant if their root protection areas and/or crowns extend into the site.

“The tree is not protected, so it can be ignored.”

Unprotected trees can still be a planning consideration. BS5837 is concerned with all trees in relation to design, demolition and construction, not only protected trees.

“I can deal with trees after planning.”

Sometimes further details are dealt with by planning condition, but tree constraints are better considered before submission. If trees significantly affect layout or buildability, late arboricultural input can be unworkable.

So, do you need a BS5837 tree survey?

You may need a BS5837 tree survey if your planning application could affect trees, or if trees could affect the design and construction of your project.

The answer depends on:

• Whether trees are on or within influencing distance of the site;

• what the local planning authority expects;

If you are unsure, it is usually worth checking before submitting the application.

How Flow Tree Consultancy can help

Flow Tree Consultancy provides BS5837 surveys and arboricultural reports for planning applications across Kent, Sussex, London, Surrey and Hampshire.

This can include Tree Surveys, Tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Arboricultural Method Statements, Tree Protection Plans and Arboricultural Clerk of Works input.

For more information, visit the Planning and Development service page.

Need advice on a planning application?

If you are preparing a planning application and are unsure whether a BS5837 tree survey is needed, you can get in touch by email or through the contact form.

Where possible, include the site address, proposed drawings, existing plans, topographical survey if available, and any comments already received from the local planning authority.

About Flow Tree Consultancy

Flow Tree Consultancy is an independent arboricultural consultancy providing clear, professional advice on tree-related matters, including planning and development, tree safety and property risk.

The consultancy provides BS5837 surveys and arboricultural reports for planning applications, helping homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants understand how trees may affect development proposals and provide clear arboricultural information to support the planning process. 

Useful references

• Trees and Design Action Group: First Steps in Trees and New Developments

• Trees and Design Action Group: Trees, Planning and Development: A Guide for Delivery

• GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in Conservation Areas

• Planning Portal: Planning permission and tree works

Last reviewed: May 2026