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BS5837 tree surveys

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Tree surveys and arboricultural reports for building work near trees, from local consultants.

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Quick answer

A BS5837 tree survey records the trees on and near your site to British Standard BS 5837:2012, including their condition, category and root protection areas. Designers and planning officers use it to position building work so retained trees are protected.

Updated September 2026

What the survey covers

An arboricultural consultant inspects each relevant tree, including neighbouring trees that overhang the site, and records its species, size, condition and a retention category from A to U.

Root protection areas are normally calculated as a circle with a radius twelve times the stem diameter, measured at 1.5 metres above ground. They show where building is least likely to harm a tree.

Trees with a preservation order, or in a conservation area, have extra council rules. Your local planning authority can confirm a tree's status.

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Common questions

What is a BS5837 tree survey?

A survey of trees on and near a site carried out to BS 5837:2012, Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction, recording each tree's details, condition and category.

What is a root protection area?

The area around a tree to protect during construction. Under BS 5837 it is normally a circle with a radius twelve times the stem diameter measured at 1.5 metres above ground.

What about trees in a conservation area or with a TPO?

Trees with a preservation order normally need council consent for most work, and in a conservation area the council generally needs six weeks' notice. Check with your local planning authority.

What will I receive?

Commonly a tree survey schedule and tree constraints plan, and where needed an arboricultural impact assessment, method statement and tree protection plan.

This page is general information and is not legal, planning or structural advice. A professional will confirm how the rules apply to your work. Updated September 2026.
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