The tree survey services provided.

BS5837 - Tree Surveys for Planning Applications

BS5837 Tree Surveys for Planning Applications

At Hinshelwood Arboricultural Consultants, we specialise in providing expert BS5837:2012 tree surveys to support planning applications across Scotland and the North of England, including Edinburgh, Fife, The Borders, and Northumberland.

BS5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – is the current British Standard guiding how trees should be assessed and managed during development. It sets out best practices for incorporating trees into site design, ensuring appropriate protection of root systems, stems, and canopies during construction, and planning for future growth and space for new planting.

We offer technical arboricultural consultancy to developers, housebuilders, architects, planning consultants, landowners, local authorities, and private homeowners. With over a decade of experience, we’ve produced thousands of high-quality tree reports tailored to meet both national standards and local planning authority requirements. Our detailed knowledge of regional planning policies and restrictions ensures your development is supported by accurate, compliant tree documentation.

If your site includes a tree—or one is located within 12 metres of your proposed development—a tree survey report will likely be required as part of your planning application. For minor residential projects, this may involve a simplified tree schedule and annotated plan. For larger or more complex developments, more detailed assessments and impact analyses may be necessary.

Our BS5837 tree reports are tailored to the scale and needs of your project, helping you navigate planning requirements and avoid delays. Whether it’s a small domestic extension or a large housing development, we provide clear, practical advice to support your planning success.

BS5837:2012 TREE SURVEY AND TREE CONSTRAINTS PLAN

The Tree Survey looks at the quality of the trees and assigns a specific retention value for each tree. This can be a useful tool to aid developers decisions on which trees to keep or remove. The Tree Constraints plan is a drawing illustrating tree canopy spreads, BS5837:2012 retention categories, and Root Protection Areas.

ARBORICULTURAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

An arboricultural impact assessment may be required as part of a planning application relation to a site that is close to, or contains trees

This assessment of tree health details the potential impact a construction project may have on the surrounding trees, as well as the impact the trees will have on the finished structure.

Arboricultural Impact Assessments contain an appraisal of the pre-construction situation on the site. This includes an assessment of tree quality in accordance with British Standard BS5837:2012, taking into account the trees’ individual arboricultural, landscape and cultural or ecological values and their estimated remaining contribution. Detailed information on all surveyed trees is available in the Tree Survey Schedules, which are included in the report. Urban Tree Managements Arboricultural Impact Assessments also include recommendations for:

  • Remedial health and safety tree works.

  • Guidance on which trees may be retained given the proposed site layout.

  • Protection measures to be implemented during construction.

  • Guidance on specialist construction methods for structures in close proximity to trees.

  • Guidance on mitigation for tree removal and recommended planting specification.

  • Suggestions for future arboricultural management to maximize the safe useful life expectancy of retained trees.

ARBORICULTURAL METHOD STATEMENT AND TREE PROTECTION PLAN

This report follows on from the Impact Assessment. It highlights specific activities in the building process relating to trees. Detailed methodologies for working around the trees with the aim of protecting them through each process.  The Tree Protection Plan is a scaled drawing that accompanies the Method Statement. It is overlaid on the Tree Constraints Plan and shows the location of any Protective Fencing and Ground Protection. Any other arboricultural requirements may also be illustrated from the Method Statement.

ARBORICULTURAL SUPERVISION AND SITE MONITORING

Where a development is likely to impact on a tree, arboricultural supervision should be sought. The Council may require a Pre-Commencement Meeting, Arboricultural supervision, and site monitoring.  This is to be carried out through key stages of the development providing ongoing evidence of compliance with the Local Planning Authority with the BS5837:2012 Report, and associated methodologies.

Area of basal decay fungus on an over mature beech tree in Galashiels

HEALTH AND SAFETY TREE SURVEY INSPECTIONS

At Hinshelwood Arboricultural Consultants, we provide tailored tree risk assessments and health and safety tree inspections in line with the National Tree Safety Group (NTSG) and HSE guidelines. Our surveys help landowners and duty holders meet their legal responsibilities while ensuring the safe management of trees in both public and private spaces.

We offer a full range of tree safety inspections—from basic walk-over surveys to detailed individual tree assessments—designed to meet the unique requirements of every site and client. Our services are trusted by private estates, housing associations, schools, universities, facilities managers, landscape contractors, and owners of multiple sites across Scotland and Northern England.

INDIVIDUAL / SPECIFIC TREE INSPECTION

Specific inspections for trees of concern using Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) techniques to identify structural defects, decay, disease, or other hazards. Detailed reports with actionable maintenance plans.

COMPREHENSIVE TREE SURVEY

Full tree inventories identifying each tree's species, dimensions, condition, and risk level. All findings are compiled into a Tree Survey Schedule and Tree Location Plan, with prioritised recommendations.

WALK-OVER / NEGATIVE REPORTING TREE SURVEY

A rapid assessment method where only trees that present a hazard or require work are recorded and tagged, ideal for large sites or routine checks.

Our survey data is recorded using advanced GPS and GIS technology and computerised tree management software, producing accurate, geo-referenced tree maps and robust documentation. This ensures clients receive precise, actionable insights that support ongoing maintenance, planning, and compliance with health and safety legislation.

This One Tree Somewhere

It is important to talk to me before submitting a planning proposal where trees are involved to avoid the potential pitfalls