Arboricultural Survey

What is an Arboricultural Survey?

An arboricultural survey is undertaken in order to assist property owners with understanding how they can appropriately manage the growth and health of the trees on their land. An arboricultural survey is also a pivotal part of the planning process, as it enables the presence of trees to be fully considered, including suitably mitigation measures, preservation and/or re-provision where necessary as part of a new development.

Should trees be present on a proposed development site, or near the proposed development site then these will need to be taken in consideration as part of the planning process. The specific requirements will need to be assessed against British Standards, and local planning policy, and an arboricultural survey is the first step in this process.

An arboricultural survey can also provide sufficient clarity on the condition of a tree and whether it poses a health and safety risk to users and the general public. An arboricultural survey can also provide a homeowner with a better understanding on the impact that a certain tree variety may have on their building, the growth rate, root size etc.

The arboricultural survey may help to anticipate any potential issues with trees being dangerous, or whether they pose a ruse to people or property. The arboricultural survey can provide recommendations and advice for further surveys or tree works to reduce the likelihood of issues arising.

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What is included in an Arboricultural Survey?

An arboricultural survey will provide the relevant information to enable the instructing party to fully understand the number, type and condition of trees in a given location. An arboricultural survey should be undertaken by a qualified professional who will firstly visit the site in order to assess each tree. These trees will be assessed against the number of features they have including their maturity, size and condition.

Within the arboricultural survey, each tree or group of trees will be represented on a tree constraints plan. This will also advise on how these trees may impact a proposed development. The arboricultural survey will give advice on whether these trees should remain/be preserved, re-provided, or are of little importance to the surrounding environment. The findings of the arboricultural survey can be taken into consideration at the early stages of a project to enable a proposed development to be altered/adjusted to meet the constraints.

Why do I need an Arboricultural Survey?

There are numerous reasons why it is important to undertake an arboricultural survey. Firstly, an arboricultural survey is often required as part of the planning consent process, as a development needs to take into consideration the various trees located on or adjacent to a proposed development. The arboricultural survey will advise on what trees can be removed or retained in accordance with local and national legislation in order to assist with obtaining planning consent.

In addition to being a planning requirement, an arboricultural survey may be undertaken if a property owner suspects that tree roots are impacting the structure of a building. Often trees located in close proximity to a building can impact the foundations of a building owing to the roots directly damaging the building materials, or by the roots altering the level of moisture within the ground. This can lead to shrinkage or heave of the ground, resulting in ground movement. An arboricultural survey will provide advice on whether the tree’s roots are likely to lead to damage etc. and advise on what level of work can be undertaken to the tree to reduce the impacts. Sometimes the arboricultural survey will be required by a mortgage company as a prerequisite to lending to the homeowner.

Finally, an arboricultural survey should be undertaken if there is concern regarding the condition and safety of a tree. An arboricultural survey will advise on this and what works should be done to make the tree safe.