Tree Surveys In London: Planning & Development

London Tree Surgeons has fully certified tree surveyors ready to provide comprehensive, BS5837-compliant tree surveys across the capital.

If you are a developer, architect, or homeowner trying to get a build approved by the local council, you’re in the right place. We expertly survey trees on development sites and deliver the detailed reports you need to navigate planning permission without the headache.

Not building anything? Just worried a tree might fall on your house? Head over to our Tree Safety Reports page instead. We keep this page dedicated to construction and planning surveys.

We offer the core London tree surveys needed to get your project over the line, including:

• BS5837 Surveys (Trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction)
• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)
• Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS)
• Tree Constraints Plans (TCP) & Tree Protection Plans (TPP)
• Ecological Surveys
• Subsidence Management Surveys

We’ve pushed through countless successful tree surveys for London developers, businesses, and public-sector clients. British standard-quality surveys demand serious attention to detail and a granular understanding of local authority planning requirements.

Our tree surveyors are highly qualified and have the industry experience to tackle any legal reporting requirements your local planning authority throws at you. Plus, a comprehensive professional indemnity insurance policy covers all our London consultancy services.

Backed by CHAS, SSIP, and ConstructionLine accreditations, we know how to keep your site compliant and your project moving.

Our Professional Tree Survey Service In London

When surveying trees in London, our certified consultants use their arboricultural expertise to produce site-specific reports that planners actually want to read. We work closely with architects and site managers to fulfil the demands of any development project across the capital. Below, we’ve outlined the core planning-focused surveys we provide.

Types of development tree surveys we offer in London

BS5837 Survey London: The gold standard for planning applications. We assess your site’s trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction, giving you a clear picture of what can stay and what needs to go. Where the council requires roots to be exposed and inspected, our air spading service carries out the root investigation safely without damaging the tree.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment London (AIA): This report breaks down exactly how your planned development might affect the retained trees on site and highlights the associated risks so you can mitigate them early.

Arboricultural Method Statement London (AMS): The AMS details the precise measures and procedures your builders must follow during construction to ensure the protected trees survive the build. We usually submit this alongside a BS5837 survey.

Tree Constraints Plan London (TCP): A map showing how existing trees physically limit your developable space. It illustrates crown spread and Root Protection Areas (RPAs), helping your architects design around the trees seamlessly.

Tree Protection Plan London (TPP): Once the layout is agreed upon, the TPP outlines the physical barriers, like protective fencing and ground protection, needed to safeguard trees from heavy machinery and ground compaction.

Subsidence Management Survey London: This survey specifically investigates the relationship between local trees and potential subsidence issues affecting a property, heavily requested by insurers and structural engineers.

Ecological Survey London: Often carried out alongside a BS5837 survey, this report evaluates the development’s impact on nearby wildlife habitats and protected species, like nesting birds and roosting bats.

Tree Survey FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a BS5837 tree survey?

A BS5837 tree survey is a professional assessment required by local planning authorities when you want to build or develop near existing trees. It maps out the trees, their root zones, and dictates how to protect them during construction.

What is a tree surveyor?

A tree surveyor is a certified professional (often called an arboricultural consultant) who assesses trees to record their species, size, and location specifically in relation to buildings or development plans.

Who carries out a tree survey?

A qualified arboricultural consultant should always handle your tree surveys. They have the specialist knowledge required to produce reports that local councils will actually accept for planning permission.

What does a planning tree survey include?

A proper development survey includes a detailed schedule of each tree’s species, size, and retention category, alongside a site plan showing tree locations and their Root Protection Areas (RPAs). It effectively gives your architect the blueprint for where they can and can’t build.

How much does a tree survey cost in the UK?

A comprehensive arboricultural survey needed for planning applications usually costs between £350 and £950+, depending on how complex the site is. The final price is dictated by the size of the property, the number of trees, and where in the UK the site is located.