BS5837 Tree Surveys

Information about BS5837 tree surveys

When a BS5837 tree survey may be needed

A BS5837 tree survey may be needed when trees are present on or close to land being considered for development.

They are commonly used for:

• House extensions
• New build projects
• Larger development sites
• Planning applications
• Site design and layout work
• Tree protection planning
• Assessing whether trees should be retained or removed

What a BS5837 tree survey includes

A BS5837 tree survey collects detailed information about the trees on site. This can include tree species, canopy dimensions, height and spread, trunk diameter, life stage and general observations about the tree’s condition.

Where relevant, the survey may also consider previous management history, visible defects and the tree’s likely contribution to the site.

This information is then used to help produce plans and reports for the design and planning process.

Tree categorisation

As part of the BS5837 process, trees are categorised according to their arboricultural and amenity value.

Each assessed tree may be categorised as A, B, C or U. These categories help identify which trees are most suitable for retention, which trees have lower value, and which trees may be unsuitable for retention because of condition or safety concerns.

This categorisation can help planners, architects, developers and landowners make informed decisions about layout, tree protection and possible tree removal.

Plans, reports and CAD software

Norfolk Trees uses the latest CAD software to produce tree survey plans and supporting reports.

These documents can help show the location, quality and constraints of trees on site, as well as the information needed to support the planning process.

Where further practical work is needed, Norfolk Trees can also advise on related tree surgery services, including crown lifting, crown reduction, deadwood removal and tree removal or sectional felling.

BS5837 and tree protection

BS5837 helps guide decisions about which trees should be retained, how retained trees should be protected and whether removal may be appropriate.

This is important because trees can influence where buildings, access routes, services, hard landscaping and working areas can be positioned during a development.

A clear BS5837 survey can help reduce planning delays and make sure trees are considered properly from the start of the design process.

Other tree survey services

Alongside BS5837 tree surveys, Norfolk Trees also provides general tree surveys in Norfolk, tree safety reports, tree hazard assessment surveys and tree management advice.

These services can be useful for homeowners, landowners, commercial sites, public bodies and anyone responsible for managing trees safely.

Professional BS5837 tree surveys by Norfolk Trees

Norfolk Trees is a team of fully qualified and trained tree surgeons with professional tree inspection qualifications.

Our team has many years of experience in tree surveys, tree management and practical tree surgery, allowing us to produce relevant reports and practical recommendations for each site.

Norfolk Trees was established in 2002 by Ashley Barnes and operates throughout Norfolk and East Anglia.

Clients can be confident in the quality of our work. Norfolk Trees holds £10,000,000 public liability insurance and all work is carried out to BS3998:2010 where practical tree work is required.

In addition to domestic tree work, we undertake commercial work for local authorities, parish councils and other organisations, including the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland Council, Serco, South Norfolk Council, Broadland Council, NCC Highways, KierMG and Anglian Water, along with numerous other clients.

We are also approved by the Norfolk County Council, and are CHAS Accredited through the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.