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A BS5837 Tree Survey is particularly important where trees/tree root zones are within the vicinity of proposed construction projects and may be affected by the works.
A BS5837 Tree Survey is particularly important where trees/tree root zones are within the vicinity of proposed construction projects and may be affected by the works.
BS5837: Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction
BS5837: Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction
It is the nationally recognised and approved practice note used by Local Planning Authorities to assess which trees should be retained within and adjacent to development sites. BS5837 also defines the level of protection retained trees require during construction works.
Therefore, a detailed tree survey is required and a report should be submitted with the planning application. The survey details the crown spread and the ‘root protection area’ (RPA). The RPA is calculated according to a formula detailed in BS5837 – based on tree stem diameter.
The survey also provides guidance on above-ground restrictions and below-ground restraints required for all retained trees.
The survey also provides guidance on above-ground restrictions and below-ground restraints required for all retained trees.
- Above-ground constraints include the current and ultimate height and spread of the trees, shading issues etc.
- Below-ground constraints includes the potential reserved rooting area (RPA) and the impact this may have on buildings, paved areas and services.
The ‘root protection areas'
The ‘root protection areas'
Root protection areas are normally plotted to plan as circles for open grown trees, but where site conditions indicate an atypical (modified) shape may be plotted. Modifications to the typical (circular) RPA layout is permissible where site/ground conditions such as obstructions, potential barriers etc. are present (i.e., walls, watercourses and the like).
BS:5837 states "modifications to the shape of the root protection area should be based on sound arboricultural assessment of the likely tree root distribution".
Informed root distribution (root morphology)
Informed root distribution (root morphology)
Peter Barton Associates provide the most accurate and informed root distribution (morphology) using ground penetrating radar (TreeRadar GPR) known as 'Root radar', 'Radar root finder', 'GPR Root mapping' etc.
Additionally, with our extensive experience, Peter Barton Associates can advise on underground artefacts, services etc that may act as constraints and impact on the root zone area.
A complete service for developers.
A complete service for developers.
Peter Barton Associates have unrivalled experience in Treescape Management including highway and campus tree surveys. As part of BS5837 Tree Surveys on development sites, we provide for Treescape integration using TreeRadar GPR tree root mapping and subsurface profiling. This provides for informed, sound, arboricultural assessments of the likely tree root distribution. With this information we integrate the Landscape and Treescape. A complete service.
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