When it comes to a planning application, the planning authority might ask for you to carry out a tree survey on any trees located on the property or near to it. While you might think that tree surveys in Essex are all the same, this is simply not true. As a result, the planning department might ask for you to have a tree survey but once you begin looking, you soon realise that there are more surveys than you realised, so what tree survey do you need?
The Tree Survey
When a tree survey is carried out, it should be carried out in line with the British Standard 5837. This process will then involve surveying and identifying each tree. The survey will consider all of the relevant data related to the individual trees such as the name and botanical name, the age and size too. It will also consider the health of the tree and how long it is likely to live for while it will also involve considering the crown spread and the height as well as the Root Protection Area. Any report or assessments that take place will be underpinned by this survey, which means that it is vital.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
This assessment will consider which trees will be kept and those that will have to be removed. It will also look at the way in which the development plans could impact the trees that will be kept. As part of the assessment, the health and lifespan of the trees will be considered as the potential impact will be dependent on this information. Once these factors have been considered, the relevant measures will be put in place to help reduce or remove the impact. Consideration will also be made to other factors that could impact the development and this might include the likes of a Tree Preservation Order that might be placed on any of the trees.
Arboricultural Method Statement
This is the final part of the process, and the Arboricultural Method Statement is designed to provide insight into how any work can be completed with the aim of minimising damage to those trees that are remaining.
This will consider making recommendations such as installing fencing, pruning trees and even the way in which any services above and below ground are installed. The method statement is site specific and will look at many of the different factors based on the plans for the development as well as any current features located on site.
Tree surveys are important for many reasons, but the aim is to help identify information about the trees as well as the impact that any changes might have on them or vice versa. So, when it comes to tree surveys, it helps to understand what they involve and which one you need as this will ensure you get all of the information that you need.
