When planning construction on a site with existing trees, most Local Planning Authorities will require a tree survey that complies with BS5837:2012. This essential assessment helps determine development potential, guides decisions on tree retention or removal, and sets out how retained trees should be protected during and after construction.
At New Leaf Environmental, our planning surveys provide clear, accurate data to support your application and keep your project moving. Whether you’re developing a single plot or a large residential site, we offer a range of survey types tailored to your scope, budget, and planning requirements.
We offer a complete planning support package—from early-stage constraints plans to on-site supervision—keeping your application compliant and your retained trees safe throughout the build.
Our Planning Survey Process
1. Initial Tree Survey + Constraints Plan
We begin with a detailed site survey to identify and assess all relevant trees. Each is recorded for condition, quality, and potential constraints. Trees in poor health are flagged for removal, while high-value trees are mapped with their Root Protection Areas (RPAs). This data is used to create a Tree Constraints Plan—a crucial foundation for site layout and design.
2. Impact Assessment + Preliminary Tree Protection
Once your layout is ready, we overlay the proposed design with our tree data to produce an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA). This identifies any conflicts between retained trees and the development footprint. We then produce a Preliminary Tree Protection Plan, setting out practical measures such as protective fencing, ground protection, and any design adjustments needed to protect roots, trunks, and canopies.
3. Method Statement + Final Tree Protection Plan
If required as a condition of planning, we provide a detailed Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) to guide tree-safe construction practices. This document outlines how works should proceed near retained trees, including access routes, working methods, and ground protection. We also update the Tree Protection Plan with final site-specific details to support planning discharge and on-site compliance.
4. Arboricultural SIte Inspections & Supervision
During key stages of construction—particularly near Root Protection Areas—local authorities may require arboricultural supervision. Our consultants carry out on-site inspections, advise contractors, and help prevent accidental damage. We issue records of supervision to demonstrate compliance and keep your project on track.