The construction of buildings and large landscape structures can have a detrimental effect on retained trees if proper protection is not planned and provided for at an early stage of the development process. Our expert tree surveys can mitigate any planning and environmental risk and realise the asset value of existing trees.
The proper identification of trees worthy of retention is imperative if money and time is not to be wasted on poor quality trees that could be removed and replaced to facilitate development. Trees of a higher quality should be considered for retention to enhance and enrich the landscape.
Replacement and additional tree planting should, if properly selected and maintained, provide long-term tree cover for many generations
Aims on construction sites
- Enable development to proceed with the long-term retention of good quality trees in suitable locations
- Provide methods of protection above ground (crown and stems) and below ground (roots) for trees identified for retention
- Improve communication between local authorities and developers to enable tree led design where long-term tree amenity is retained and improved
Methods on construction sites
- British Standard tree surveys (BS 5837:2005)
- Pre-planning site meetings
- Tree Constraints Plans – Autocad DWG and DXF formats
- Arboricultural Implications Assessments
- Arboricultural Method Statements
- Site Supervision
- Pre-commencement site meetings
- Tree works supervision
- Planning appeals (last resort)
British Standard BS5837
The updated British Standard BS5837 ‘Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction’, was published on 30 April 2012. For further information on how it could impact development and planning decisions please read our article and assessment here.