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Based in Not stated · Covers UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
01 · Planning stage · BS 5837
Tree survey
If there are trees on or near your site, most councils will want a tree survey to BS 5837 before they’ll decide a planning application. It records every tree worth keeping, how construction could affect it, and what protection is needed during work.
DWGuide by Dan Wallis · Updated 4 October 2026
This guide covers the rules in England. See Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Who needs oneAnyone applying for planning permission on a site with trees on it or close to the boundary
Who can do itAn arboriculturist, usually one holding a Lantra or Arboricultural Association qualification
WhenBefore you submit, so the layout can work around trees worth keeping
15 arboriculturists listed across the UK
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Find arboriculturists by region
National providers (6)
Arbtech Consulting Ltd
Based in Chester · Covers UK-wide (England and Wales) Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
TMA Ecology Consultants
Based in Not stated · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Tracy Clarke Tree Consultancy
Based in Not stated · Covers Nationwide Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn websiteUK-wide
Urban Tree Management
Based in Not stated · Covers UK-wide Accreditation stated by provider: Arboricultural AssociationOwn websiteUK-wide
Venners Arboriculture
Based in Wallingford, Oxfordshire · Covers Oxfordshire and across the UK Accreditation stated by provider: Arboricultural AssociationOwn websiteUK-wide
Regional providers (check they cover your area) (4)
Arb Innovators
Based in Leicester · Covers Leicester and East Midlands Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn website
Ecology Essex Limited
Based in Not stated · Covers Essex and surrounding areas Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn website
Godwins Tree Surveys
Based in Manchester · Covers Manchester, Bolton, Birmingham Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn website
Outline Trees
Based in Derby · Covers Derby and surrounding areas Accreditation stated by provider: Not statedOwn website
What the survey covers
- A schedule of every tree, grading each one from high to low value (or recommending removal)
- Root protection areas, showing how close construction can safely come to each tree
- An arboricultural impact assessment if the layout affects any trees
- A tree protection plan and method statement for trees retained during construction
Why to commission it early
Doing the survey before you finalise the layout means the design can work around valuable trees from the start, rather than the council asking for changes later. It also flags whether any trees have a Tree Preservation Order or sit in a conservation area, which affects what you can do without separate consent.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
This guide describes the rules in England. Building regulations are devolved, so here is how tree survey works in the rest of the UK.
Wales
The same BS 5837 methodology applies. Tree Preservation Orders and conservation area rules work in a similar way to England.
Scotland
BS 5837 is used across the UK. Scottish planning authorities apply their own Tree Preservation Order and conservation area rules.
Northern Ireland
BS 5837 surveys are used in Northern Ireland too, with Tree Preservation Orders administered by local councils.
Common questions
Does every application need a tree survey?
Only where there are trees on the site or close enough to be affected, including trees on neighbouring land that overhang or are near the boundary.
What is a root protection area?
A calculated zone around each tree where digging, changing ground levels or storing materials could damage the roots. The layout needs to respect it, or show how it will be protected.
Do I need permission to remove a tree?
If it has a Tree Preservation Order or sits in a conservation area, usually yes. Your arboriculturist can check and apply on your behalf if needed.
How long does it take?
A straightforward garden survey can be quick, but tree surveys are seasonal for some assessments, so book early if your site has mature trees.
New to the jargon? See our glossary of terms, from air permeability to TrustMark.