BS5837 tree surveys for planning, with the evidence your architect and project team need to move forward.
ACP’s arboricultural consultants help you understand the trees affecting your site, their design implications and the next report required. Start early, while the layout can respond to the findings.
One reference system. A clearer design conversation.Connect each tree on the plan with the evidence in the schedule.Green crowns and gold dashed example RPAs are different constraints. Numbered references link trees to their survey record.
Commission the right first step
A tree survey, an AIA or construction protection?
These documents serve different stages. We identify what your proposal and council request need, then provide a quotation for the appropriate work.
01 / ESTABLISH
BS5837 survey & constraints
Record the relevant trees and explain the space and issues the design needs to consider. This is the starting point for an informed layout.
The survey establishes relevant arboricultural information for development decisions. We agree site coverage, access and drawing inputs before fieldwork.
Survey information
Why it matters
How it is used
Identity and location
Consistent references let the team identify each relevant tree or group.
Connect the site observations, schedule and plans without conflicting tree numbers.
Dimensions and crown form
Stem and crown information helps describe the tree’s above- and below-ground design influence.
Inform the constraints drawing and the relationship with proposed structures.
Condition and retention considerations
The arboriculturist records relevant observations and the assessment basis.
Explain the tree’s contribution, category and any management considerations within the survey scope.
Surrounding context
Trees beyond the boundary and site features can influence the proposal.
Identify relevant neighbouring trees, access limitations and information requiring clarification.
Survey limitations
Restricted access or obscured features can limit the available evidence.
Make limitations visible so the design team understands what may need further investigation.
The measured tree position is only one part of the picture. A useful design review brings the crown, rooting space and proposed work together.
Root Protection Areas
An RPA identifies rooting space to protect when planning work around retained trees. It is not a traced map of every root.
The arboriculturist considers the site evidence when defining the protection information. Any adjustment needs a reasoned basis rather than being moved to fit a preferred layout.
Crown spread and future relationships
Review branch clearance, growth and how the retained tree relates to buildings and outdoor space. The crown and RPA can have different outlines.
Consider the long-term relationship as well as whether the initial footprint can be drawn between the trees.
Neighbouring trees and access
A tree outside the application boundary can still influence the works. Identify nearby trees and agree how accessible information will be obtained.
Record where dimensions are estimated or features cannot be inspected, with any further evidence needed clearly identified.
More than the finished building
Allow for drainage, utility routes, access, levels and temporary working space. These can affect trees even when the building itself avoids them.
The survey provides a baseline; the impact assessment examines the specific proposed works.
From brief to usable evidence
Bring arboricultural advice into the design early.
We structure the commission around the information your project team needs next. An initial feasibility layout can help define the brief without fixing the final design.
01 / Agree the site and purposeSend the location, red-line boundary and council request. Identify the project stage, neighbouring trees and available base plans.
02 / Coordinate access and drawingsConfirm access arrangements and the topographical information available. Agree the survey area, references and any limitations before the visit.
03 / Record and present the baselinePrepare the agreed tree schedule and constraints information. Explain the findings and the matters the designer needs to consider.
04 / Define the next assessmentIdentify whether the proposal needs an AIA, construction protection documents or a focused follow-up. Keep additional tasks visible in the scope.
Know what you will receive
Evidence your design team can work with.
The quotation identifies the survey, drawings, report and discussion included. It also separates any later assessment or construction support.
A defined tree scheduleRelevant tree references, survey observations and the agreed assessment information.
Coordinated plan informationTree positions, constraints and a clear relationship with the available base drawing.
A readable explanationThe main design considerations, survey limitations and recommended next steps.
A clear input recordSurvey date, site coverage and the documents used to prepare the output.
An agreed design handoverThe drawings and formats included, plus any project-team discussion specified in the brief.
A route to the next stageThe assessment or protection information required once the design is sufficiently defined.
Tree constraints can include statutory protection and ecological considerations. We identify the information that needs to be checked alongside the development brief.
TPOs and conservation areas
Check the relevant tree-protection status and any consent or notification requirements. A survey report or proposed removal on a drawing does not itself authorise the work.
These require specific consideration, including the applicable standing advice and buffer requirements. They should not be treated as an ordinary development-tree calculation.
Tree numbers, access, site scale and drawing requirements affect the fee. We confirm the survey and reporting scope before you instruct the work.
Send a useful starting briefThe postcode, site boundary, proposed works and council request are enough to start. Mention existing tree reports and topographical information.
Make the scope explicitAgree whether the quotation includes only the survey and constraints, or also an AIA, protection drawings, design revisions and authority responses.
Allow for the real dependenciesWe confirm access and information requirements when agreeing the programme. Changes to the design or additional investigations may need a separate update.
England · your site and authority
Advice shaped around the project.
Discuss projects in Greater London, the South East, East of England and the Midlands, or elsewhere in England. Share the site postcode and council request so we can confirm the scope, survey arrangements and availability.
Local requirements, current drawings
We identify the planning authority and review its actual request. A county name does not establish which documents or conditions apply to a site.
One coordinated project brief
Bring the architect’s layout, engineering information and relevant ecology work together. Agree the assessment boundaries, access and responsibilities before commissioning.
Connected evidence
The right document for the next decision.
Survey, assessment and construction protection can be commissioned together or in defined stages. Choose the part of the brief you need.
01 / NEXT PROJECT STAGE
Arboricultural Impact Assessments
Evaluate the proposed works against the tree evidence.
Tell us what you are planning and what the authority has requested. We will identify the survey or report to discuss.
01What is a BS5837 tree survey?
It provides arboricultural information to support decisions about development around trees. The survey records relevant trees and informs constraints and design, with the scope agreed against the project.
02Is a tree survey the same as an arboricultural survey?
The terms can overlap in planning enquiries. We clarify the purpose and deliverables rather than rely on the wording alone. A safety, insurance or mortgage enquiry may need a different inspection brief.
03Do I need a survey if all the trees are next door?
Neighbouring trees can influence the works through their crowns or rooting space. Send the site boundary and proposal so we can consider the relevant coverage and access limitations.
04Does a topographical survey include the tree assessment?
A topographical survey can provide positions and levels. The arboricultural survey adds the relevant tree assessment. The two should use compatible drawings and references.
05Can I commission an AIA at the same time?
Yes, where a sufficiently defined proposal is available. We can quote for coordinated survey and assessment work, identifying any design information needed before the AIA can be completed.
06Does the report certify that every tree is safe?
A planning survey has a defined development purpose. If you need a dedicated condition or safety inspection, tell us so the inspection scope and reporting can address that requirement.
07Can the survey be used after the layout changes?
The baseline may remain useful, but its currency and the changed proposal need review. The impact assessment and protection drawings must relate to the design being submitted or built.
08How much does a planning tree survey cost?
We provide a site-specific quotation based on the tree coverage, access, drawing information and outputs. AIA, method statements, further visits and supervision are included only where stated.
Let’s define the right scope
Tell us where your project is heading.
Start with your email and a short project outline. We will clarify the information needed and prepare a site-specific quotation.
Share the essentials
Your site, proposed works and the tree information requested.
We review the available evidence
A consultant can request the current layout, tree reports and council comments.
Receive a defined scope and fee
Understand the deliverables, programme and any additional work.
Have drawings, a tree report or a planning condition? Submit the enquiry first. We can then request the relevant files together, so your brief stays clear.
Request an arboricultural quotation
A clear starting point.
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Technical sources & further reading
Sources checked on 27 October 2026. BSI lists BS 5837:2012 as current and under review. Local authority examples illustrate the document types; the actual authority’s current requirements must be checked for your site.
