Construction Planning
Arboricultural surveys
Construction Planning
Trees can be an important consideration throughout the design, demolition and construction process. BS 5837:2012 – Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations provides a structured approach for assessing existing trees and integrating appropriate tree retention and protection into the development process.
Kirkley Tree Care Ltd provides arboricultural surveys and consultancy to support development proposals from the earliest design stages through to construction. Early arboricultural input allows the quality and value of existing trees, their constraints and opportunities, and the implications of proposed development to be properly understood before the design is finalised.
Where appropriate, our work can include BS 5837 tree surveys, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, Tree Protection Plans, Arboricultural Method Statements and arboricultural monitoring during construction.
Tree Surveys
Arboricultural surveys are conducted by qualified arboriculturalists and provide a detailed assessment of the condition and landscape value of all trees on the site.
The BS 5837 Tree Survey
A BS 5837 tree survey provides the baseline arboricultural information required to inform the design and planning process. Trees are assessed by an appropriately experienced arboriculturist and recorded individually or, where appropriate, as groups.
The survey records information including species, dimensions, age class, physiological and structural condition, estimated remaining contribution and other relevant arboricultural features. Each tree or group is then assigned a retention category in accordance with the BS 5837:2012 cascade chart.
This information is used to identify the arboricultural constraints and opportunities of the site and should inform the development layout from an early stage.
Trees are categorised based on their desirability for retention:
Category A — High Quality
Trees of high quality with an estimated remaining contribution of at least 40 years.
Trees of high quality with an estimated remaining contribution of at least 40 years.
Category B — Moderate Quality
Trees of moderate quality with an estimated remaining contribution of at least 20 years.
Trees of moderate quality with an estimated remaining contribution of at least 20 years.
Category C — Low Quality
Trees of low quality with an estimated remaining contribution of at least 10 years, or young trees with a stem diameter below 150 mm.
Trees of low quality with an estimated remaining contribution of at least 10 years, or young trees with a stem diameter below 150 mm.
Category U
Trees in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years.
Trees in such a condition that they cannot realistically be retained as living trees in the context of the current land use for longer than 10 years.
Site Evaluation and Survey
Before a development layout is finalised, the site should be evaluated to identify existing features and arboricultural constraints that may influence the design. This includes trees within the site and trees on adjoining land where they could affect, or be affected by, the proposed development.
An accurate topographical survey should record the location of relevant trees and site features, including existing buildings, roads, boundaries and other features necessary to inform the arboricultural assessment. The presence of Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas should also be established at an early stage.
Design Considerations
The arboricultural constraints identified by the tree survey should inform the design and layout of the development from an early stage. Where trees are to be retained, consideration should be given to both their above-ground and below-ground requirements and to their relationship with the proposed development.
Key Design Considerations:
- Key design considerations include the Root Protection Areas (RPAs) of retained trees, their existing and future crown spread, and their relationship with proposed buildings, roads and access routes. The design should also consider shading and daylight, future tree growth and management requirements, changes to existing ground levels, hard surfacing within or adjacent to RPAs, and the location of services and drainage. Construction access, working space and other site operations should also be considered at an early stage to ensure that retained trees can be adequately protected throughout the development process.
Where trees are to be retained, demolition and construction activities should be carefully planned and controlled to prevent avoidable damage to trees and their rooting environment. Key considerations include:
Excavation & Groundworks
Careful control of excavation, foundation works and changes in ground levels where retained trees could be affected.
Site Access & Machinery
Managing the movement and operation of vehicles and machinery to avoid damage to retained trees and soil within protected areas.
Site Compounds & Storage
Appropriate positioning of site accommodation, materials, plant and storage areas away from protected trees.
Tree Protection Measures
Protective barriers and other measures should be established in accordance with the Tree Protection Plan and, where required, an Arboricultural Method Statement, and maintained throughout the relevant stages of construction.
BS 5837 Documentation & Tree Protection
Where trees are affected by a proposed development, appropriate arboricultural information should be prepared to demonstrate how retained trees will be successfully integrated and protected throughout the development process. The level of information required will depend upon the nature of the proposal and the requirements of the Local Planning Authority.
Depending on the development, this may include a Tree Survey, Tree Constraints Plan, Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), Tree Protection Plan (TPP) and Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS).
The Tree Protection Plan identifies the measures required to protect retained trees during demolition and construction, while the Arboricultural Method Statement sets out how potentially damaging operations are to be undertaken where specific working methods or controls are necessary.
Where appropriate, arboricultural monitoring may also be specified to ensure that agreed tree protection measures are correctly implemented and maintained throughout the relevant stages of construction.
Reference Standards:
BS 5837:2012
Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations
The principal British Standard guiding the assessment, retention and protection of trees in relation to development. BS 5837:2012 remains the published standard at present, although a revision is currently in development."
Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations
The principal British Standard guiding the assessment, retention and protection of trees in relation to development. BS 5837:2012 remains the published standard at present, although a revision is currently in development."
BS 3998:2010
Tree work – Recommendations
Provides recommendations for tree work and the management of established trees. It remains current, although BSI has begun the process of revising it.
Tree work – Recommendations
Provides recommendations for tree work and the management of established trees. It remains current, although BSI has begun the process of revising it.
Street Works UK – Volume 4
Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Apparatus in Proximity to Trees
Provides industry guidance for planning and undertaking utility works close to trees and their root systems.
Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Apparatus in Proximity to Trees
Provides industry guidance for planning and undertaking utility works close to trees and their root systems.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
Once the proposed development layout has been prepared, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) evaluates the likely effects of the proposals on existing trees. It considers matters such as tree removal and retention, changes within Root Protection Areas, the relationship between retained trees and proposed buildings, access and infrastructure, and the potential effects of demolition and construction activities.
Where impacts are identified, appropriate design changes, tree protection measures or specialist working methods can be developed to minimise harm to retained trees. The AIA forms an important part of the arboricultural information submitted in support of a planning application where trees are a material consideration.
Professional arboricultural advice and assessment from Kirkley Tree Care.
Kirkley West Farm Belsay, Northumberland, NE20 0DL
Kirkley Tree Care ltd Registered Company Number: 17339324