What Information Should I Provide for a BS5837 Tree Survey Quote?

If you need a BS5837 tree survey quote, the most important information to provide is usually the site address and postcode.

From the site address, an arboricultural consultant can often carry out an initial desktop review, consider the site location, estimate the likely number of relevant trees and understand the resources likely to be needed for the work.

However, an address alone is not always enough, and additional information is always beneficial. BS5837 work can vary depending on the site, the proposal, the number and location of trees, the planning stage, and the level of reporting required. Clear information at the enquiry stage helps avoid assumptions, improves quote accuracy, and can reduce delays later in the process.

You do not need to have every document ready before getting in touch. If you are unsure what is needed, Flow Tree Consultancy can review the information available and advise on any additional information required.

Why the right information matters

A BS5837 tree survey quote is not always based on site size alone. The scope of work can vary significantly from one project to another.

For example, the quote may depend on:

• the likely number of relevant trees;

• whether the site boundary is clear;

• the type and scale of the proposed development;

• the location of the proposed development within the site;

• whether the project is likely to need only an initial Tree Survey and Tree Constraints Plan, or a wider package of BS5837 information.

This is why an arboricultural consultant may ask for more than just an address. The better the information provided at the start, the easier it is to understand what the quote needs to include.

1. Site address and postcode

The site address and postcode are the essential starting point for a BS5837 tree survey quote.

This allows the consultant to locate the site, assess travel requirements and carry out an initial desktop review where appropriate. It will also allow a broad estimate of the likely number of trees in and around the site, which helps inform the resources needed for the survey and report.

The site address alone is often enough. However, for larger sites, irregular sites or where the development site boundary is unclear, more information is likely to be needed.

2. Site boundary or red line plan

A site boundary or red line plan is strongly recommended wherever available.

This is especially important where:

• the site forms part of a larger property;

• the boundary is not obvious from mapping or aerial imagery;

• the land is irregular in shape;

• only part of the site is being considered.

A clear site boundary defines the survey area and reduces the risk of pricing being based on the wrong assumptions.

In some cases, a red line boundary or marked-up plan may be requested before an accurate quote can be provided. This does not need to be complicated at the enquiry stage. A site location plan, red line plan or clearly marked plan is enough to show what land is involved.

3. Proposed development plans

If proposed drawings are available, they are useful to provide with your enquiry.

These may include:

• existing and proposed layout plans;

• architectural drawings;

• section drawings;

• plans showing levels;

• demolition plans;

• access or driveway proposals;

• landscaping proposals.

Proposed plans help determine the likely arboricultural input required, particularly at the Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Arboricultural Method Statement stage.

The proposed drawings do not have to be final before you ask for advice. Early information is useful because trees may influence the design. Where trees are likely to be relevant, arranging BS5837 input early can help reduce the risk of delays, redesign or additional information being requested later.

4. Topographical survey, if available

For BS5837 work, a suitable topographical survey is recommended wherever possible.

A suitable topographical survey can show tree positions, buildings, levels, boundaries and other site features. This can improve the accuracy of BS5837 plans and help identify features that may need to be considered during an Arboricultural Impact Assessment or Arboricultural Method Statement.

Where one is not available, it is still possible to provide a quote, but the limitations of the available base information may need to be discussed. In some cases, a topographical survey may be recommended before the BS5837 survey, especially for larger, more complex sites.

5. Existing planning information

If the project is already in the planning process, it is helpful to provide any relevant planning information.

This might include:

• the planning application reference;

• pre-application advice;

• comments from the local planning authority;

• a validation request;

• a planning condition;

• an architect’s or planning consultant’s brief;

• previous arboricultural information, if available.

This is particularly useful where the council has already asked for tree information. If the local planning authority has requested an arboricultural report, tree survey or tree protection details, the exact wording of that request can help identify what is likely to be required.

6. Access information

Access details can make the process smoother once the quote is accepted and the site visit is arranged.

Useful information may include:

• who can provide access;

• whether anyone needs to be present;

• locked gates or access codes;

• tenants, occupiers or managing agents;

• dogs, livestock or other site considerations;

• restricted areas;

• parking arrangements;

• the best contact for arranging the visit.

This does not usually determine the quote on its own, but it can help avoid delays and make the survey easier to organise.

7. Tree information, if known

You do not need to identify tree species or provide technical tree details before requesting a quote.

However, it can be useful to provide any simple tree information you already have, such as:

• photographs of the site or nearby trees;

• an approximate number of trees;

• whether trees are within the site or on neighbouring land;

• whether trees are close to the proposed works;

• whether any trees are known to be protected by a Tree Preservation Order;

• whether the site is in a Conservation Area, if known.

If you do not know this information, that is fine. The site survey is there to assess the relevant trees properly. The aim at quote stage is simply to understand the likely scope of work.

8. Timescales and deadlines

If there are important deadlines, mention them when you enquire.

For example:

• a planning submission target date;

• a validation deadline;

• a design team meeting;

• a planning condition discharge deadline;

• a committee date;

• a property purchase or project milestone.

This helps the consultant understand the urgency of the work. It is also useful where the project team needs to coordinate arboricultural input with drawings, planning statements, ecology reports, drainage design, or other supporting information.

Useful information to send where available

You can still make an enquiry if you do not have all of the information listed below. However, the following information is useful where available.

Always required

• site address and postcode.

Often necessary

• site boundary or red line plan.

Beneficial

• existing and proposed drawings;

• topographical survey;

• planning reference or council comments;

• access details;

• photographs of the site or trees;

• any known deadlines.

The site address is normally the essential starting point. The other information helps refine the scope and may become important where the site, boundary or proposal is not clear.

Common misunderstandings about BS5837 tree survey quotes

“I need to know exactly how many trees are on site before asking for a quote.”

No. You do not need to count or identify every tree before getting in touch.

The site address, aerial imagery and available plans usually provide enough information to estimate the likely scope. If the site is complex or heavily treed, further information may be needed.

“A postcode alone is enough.”

Not always.

For a small, straightforward site, a full address and postcode may be enough to scope the work. For larger or more complex sites, or those with unclear boundaries, a red line boundary or marked-up plan may be needed to define the survey area.

“The quote only depends on the number of trees.”

Tree numbers matter, but they are not the only factor.

A BS5837 quote may also depend on the site size, access, complexity, proposed works, planning stage, and whether additional documents are likely to be needed.

“A topographical survey is only relevant later.”

A suitable topographical survey is most useful from the start. Providing a topographical survey after the tree survey has already been undertaken may require additional work to ensure the Tree Constraints Plan matches the other drawings.

It may not always be available at quote stage, but it is recommended for BS5837 work where accurate plans are needed.

“I need to have everything finalised before asking for advice.”

Early enquiries are often useful, especially where trees may influence the design. A BS5837 tree survey can help identify constraints before layouts are fixed, which may avoid redesign or delays later.

“I don’t need a BS5837 survey quote because the trees are on a neighbouring property.”

Even if trees are not located within the site, they may still influence design. Under BS5837, Root Protection Areas can extend up to a maximum radius of 15 metres from a tree, so trees close to the site boundary may still need to be considered where their roots, canopies or protection areas could affect the proposed works.

This means trees on third-party land may still need to be included in the survey scope, even where no trees are present within the site itself.

How to request a BS5837 tree survey quote

If you are preparing a planning application and need a BS5837 tree survey quote, send an enquiry by email or through the contact page.

Where possible, include the site address, site boundary plan, proposed drawings, topographical survey if available, planning comments and any known deadlines. If you are unsure what is needed, Flow Tree Consultancy can review the available information and advise what additional information is required.

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

For more information, visit the Planning and Development service page, or send an enquiry through our online form.

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 tree constraints and provide clear arboricultural information to support the planning process.