Tree Condition Surveys
​
Why Are Tree Condition Surveys Necessary?
​
Tree Condition Surveys are essential for ensuring the safety, health, and sustainability of trees in both public and private spaces. They help identify potential hazards, such as deadwood or structural defects, that could pose risks to people, property, and infrastructure. Regular surveys also support the long-term health of trees by detecting diseases, pests, or environmental stresses early.
​
UK Legislation and Tree Surveys
​
Under UK law, landowners have a legal duty of care to ensure their trees do not pose a danger to others.
Key legislation includes:
-
The Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984: These require landowners to maintain safe premises for visitors and trespassers, which includes managing risks posed by trees.
-
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: Employers must ensure the safety of employees and others affected by their operations, which extends to trees on workplace property.
-
Common Law Duty of Care: Landowners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm caused by their trees.
​
Failing to conduct regular surveys and act on findings could result in legal consequences if an incident occurs. Tree Condition Surveys are thus a proactive step to meet legal obligations while protecting the environment and public safety.
.png)
BS 5837 2012 Tree Surveys
​
What Are BS 5837 Tree Surveys?
​
BS 5837 Tree Surveys are critical for assessing the impact of proposed developments on trees and ensuring that trees are effectively integrated into design plans. They provide detailed information on the condition, quality, and value of trees on or near development sites, helping to balance urban growth with environmental preservation. These surveys guide decision-making to protect valuable trees, enhance biodiversity, and comply with planning regulations.
​
UK Legislation and BS 5837 Surveys
BS 5837: 2012 is the British Standard that sets guidelines for trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction. While not a legal requirement, it is a best-practice standard often required by planning authorities. Compliance with BS 5837 supports adherence to broader legal frameworks:
-
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Requires consideration of tree preservation orders (TPOs) and conservation areas during development.
-
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Protects trees within conservation areas and near listed buildings.
-
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Protects nesting birds and other wildlife in trees that may be impacted by construction.
Failure to conduct a BS 5837 Tree Survey can result in planning applications being refused or enforcement actions if protected trees are damaged. These surveys are vital for aligning development goals with environmental and legal responsibilities.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
​
What Are Arboricultural Impact Assessments?
​
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA's) are essential for evaluating how proposed developments will affect existing trees and vice versa. These assessments identify conflicts between trees and construction activities, enabling developers to mitigate risks, preserve valuable trees, and comply with planning requirements. AIA's ensure that development projects respect ecological and visual amenity, maintaining harmony between urban growth and environmental conservation.
​
UK Legislation and Arboricultural Impact Assessments
AIA's are often required as part of the planning process and align with several key UK laws and regulations:
-
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Protects trees under Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and those in conservation areas, requiring a clear understanding of potential impacts before granting permission.
-
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990: Ensures the protection of trees that contribute to the character of conservation areas or settings of listed buildings.
-
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Protects wildlife, including nesting birds and bats, which may inhabit trees affected by proposed developments.
-
BS 5837:2012: Guides the preparation of AIA's as part of a comprehensive approach to managing trees during design, demolition, and construction phases.
​
AIA's are vital for demonstrating compliance with planning conditions, preventing tree-related delays, and avoiding legal or financial repercussions. They also help developers achieve sustainable, environmentally sensitive projects while fulfilling their duty of care to protect trees and associated habitats.
​
Arboricultural Method Statements
Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS) are a crucial follow-up to an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA). They provide a detailed, step-by-step plan for protecting trees during the development process, ensuring that mitigation measures identified in the AIA are effectively implemented.
An AMS typically includes:
-
Tree Protection Measures: Specifications for protective fencing, ground protection, and tree root zones (Root Protection Areas, or RPAs) to prevent damage during construction.
-
Construction Guidance: Methods for carrying out activities near trees, such as excavation, installation of services, or hard landscaping, without harming tree health or stability.
-
Monitoring and Supervision: Assigning a qualified arboricultural consultant to oversee tree protection measures and ensure compliance with the AMS throughout the project.
-
Contingency Plans: Steps to address unforeseen issues, such as damage to trees or root systems, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
​
Why Are Arboricultural Method Statements Necessary?
An AMS ensures that all parties involved in a development project understand their responsibilities regarding tree protection. It translates the findings of the AIA into actionable practices, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
​
Failing to implement an AMS can result in enforcement actions, fines, or reputational damage if trees are harmed. By integrating an AMS with the AIA, developers demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment while meeting legal and planning requirements, ensuring the project’s success and sustainability.
Mortgage Reports
​
Why have a mortgage report?
When you're involved in a property transaction, whether buying or selling, trees can present a complex picture. While mature trees can significantly enhance a property's value and aesthetic appeal, they can also pose potential liabilities if they are diseased, structurally unsound, protected by law, or located in a way that could cause future issues.
​
Our specialist arboricultural consultants provide thorough and impartial Tree Mortgage Reports to give you a clear and comprehensive understanding of the trees on or adjacent to a property that may have an impact. We go beyond a simple visual assessment, delving into crucial factors that can affect your investment and decision-making process.
​
What our Tree Mortgage Reports cover:
​
Detailed Tree Health and Condition Assessment: We evaluate the health, vitality, and structural integrity of significant trees. This includes identifying any signs of disease, decay, pest infestations, or structural defects that could pose a risk in the future.
Legal Protection and Planning Constraints: We conduct thorough checks for the presence of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and whether the property falls within a Conservation Area. Understanding these legal protections is vital, as they can significantly impact future tree work or development plans.
Potential for Structural Damage: We assess the proximity of trees to buildings and infrastructure, evaluating the potential risk of damage from root growth (subsidence), falling branches, or windthrow. Our reports provide insights into the likelihood and potential severity of such issues.
Future Management and Maintenance Requirements: We offer guidance on necessary tree maintenance, including pruning, removal of deadwood, or potential long-term management strategies. This helps you understand the ongoing costs and responsibilities associated with the trees.
Identification of High-Risk Trees: Our reports clearly identify any trees that pose an immediate or foreseeable high risk due to their condition or location, allowing for proactive mitigation measures.
Clear and Concise Reporting: We deliver our findings in an easy-to-understand report, complete with clear language, photographs where necessary, and professional recommendations. Our goal is to provide you with actionable information, not just technical jargon.
​
Why are Tree Mortgage Reports essential?
For Buyers: Avoid unexpected costs and liabilities associated with tree maintenance, legal restrictions, or potential damage. Gain a clear picture of the long-term implications of the trees on the property before committing to a purchase.
For Sellers: Proactively identify and address any potential tree-related issues that could delay or complicate the sale. A transparent Tree Mortgage Report can provide reassurance to potential buyers.
For Lenders: Understand the potential risks associated with trees on a property being used as security for a loan, ensuring the long-term value and stability of the asset.​
​
Our experienced arboricultural consultants are dedicated to providing you with the accurate and reliable information you need for confident property transactions. Contact us today to learn more about how our Tree Mortgage Report service can protect your investment.
​