If you’re planning a construction or development project and there are trees on or near your site, you’re likely to come across the term BS5837 Tree Survey. This guide explains what a BS5837 tree report is, why it’s essential, and how it fits into the planning process, especially for homeowners, architects, and developers across Devon and Hertfordshire.
Whether you’re extending a property in Exeter, redeveloping a site in Hitchin, or building new homes in Totnes, understanding the BS5837 process is vital to move forward with confidence and legal compliance.
What is a BS5837 Tree Report?
A BS5837 tree report is a specialist arboricultural survey conducted in accordance with British Standard BS5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction. The purpose of the report is to assess the impact that proposed development works might have on surrounding trees and vice versa.
At its core, the report ensures that trees are properly considered throughout the planning and design process and that any works avoid unnecessary damage to trees that are to be retained.
Learn more about our BS5837 Tree Surveys
Who Needs a BS5837 Tree Report?
If you’re submitting a planning application and there are trees either on the site or nearby, your local authority will almost certainly request a BS5837 report.
This applies to:
- Developers and builders planning construction projects
- Homeowners planning extensions or driveways near trees
- Architects and planning consultants
- Landowners with trees protected by TPOs or within Conservation Areas
Local councils in Devon and Hertfordshire, like South Hams, Exeter City Council, or North Herts, routinely require these reports as part of the planning process.
What Does a BS5837 Report Include?
A full BS5837 survey contains several components:
- Tree Assessment
Each tree is individually assessed and recorded. This includes details such as:
- Tree species
- Height and canopy spread
- Trunk diameter
- Condition, health, and life expectancy
- Tree Categorisation
Trees are categorised into groups (A, B, C, or U), which reflect their value and suitability for retention:
- Category A: High-quality trees worth retaining
- Category B: Moderate-quality trees
- Category C: Low-quality or short-lived trees
- Category U: Unsuitable for retention
- Root Protection Areas (RPA)
An RPA is the area around a tree that must be protected to prevent root damage. These are mapped out in metres and must be respected during any site works.
- Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)
A site map that visually displays the trees, their categories, and their RPAs. It helps developers understand how tree constraints will influence design options.
- Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
This section outlines how the proposed development will affect trees and recommends ways to mitigate risks such as rerouting footings or installing special root-friendly foundations.
- Tree Protection Plan and Method Statement
If trees are to be retained, the report outlines how to protect them during demolition and construction with fencing, exclusion zones, and careful ground management.
Why is a BS5837 Tree Survey Important?
BS5837 surveys are legally recognised and play a key role in:
- Securing planning permission
- Avoiding enforcement action or fines for damaging protected trees
- Ensuring your site layout is feasible and trees don’t later restrict development
- Supporting biodiversity and good environmental practice
A well-prepared report can actually streamline planning approval, saving time and money during the design phase.
The BS5837 Process with Waterman Tree Co.
At Waterman Tree Co, our experienced arboricultural consultants provide BS5837 tree surveys across Devon and Hertfordshire. Here’s what you can expect:
Site Visit by a Qualified Arborist
We assess trees on and near your site using professional tools and mapping equipment.
Digital Reports and Drawings
Our reports include clear data, photos, and CAD-ready plans to support your planning application.
Fast Turnaround
We understand the pressures of development schedules. That’s why we deliver your report promptly usually within a few days of the site visit.
Local Authority Expertise
We regularly work with planning officers and understand local policies in councils like Exeter, South Hams, East Devon, North Herts, and Welwyn Hatfield.
BS5837 and Related Tree Surveys
While BS5837 surveys are essential for planning, you may also need other related surveys:
- Mortgage Tree Reports for buyers and lenders
- General Tree Surveys & Inspections to assess health, risk, and maintenance needs
- QTRA-based surveys for landowners with multiple trees or large estates
If you’re unsure which report you need, our team is happy to advise.
When Should You Book a BS5837 Survey?
You should arrange a BS5837 survey before finalising your site layout or submitting your planning application. This ensures the design takes tree constraints into account from the outset, reducing the chance of rejection or delays.
If you’re working with an architect, they’ll often request the survey early in the design phase so it can inform their site plans.
We’re based in Totnes and Hitchin, and cover:
Devon: Totnes, Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Newton Abbot
Hertfordshire: Hitchin, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Hertford
Get in touch today to request a quote or speak with our friendly team.
FAQ About Tree Surveying with QTRA
What is the purpose of a BS5837 tree survey in the planning process?
A BS5837 tree survey is essential when submitting a planning application for development on land with trees. The report ensures that trees are properly assessed and their protection is integrated into the site design. Local planning authorities in areas like Devon and Hertfordshire often require these surveys to evaluate how construction might impact nearby trees — and how those trees might constrain the development. It’s a vital step in avoiding delays, securing permissions, and protecting valuable green infrastructure.
When is the best time to commission a BS5837 tree report?
You should arrange a BS5837 tree survey before submitting your planning application or finalising your site layout. Early commissioning helps architects and developers design around existing trees and Root Protection Areas (RPAs), reducing the risk of rejections or required design changes. At Waterman Tree Co, we provide fast-turnaround reports for clients in Totnes, Exeter, Hitchin, and surrounding areas.
What is included in a BS5837 tree survey report?
A BS5837 tree survey report typically includes:
- An individual tree assessment (species, size, condition, life expectancy)
- Tree categorisation (A, B, C or U)
- Root Protection Area (RPA) mapping
- A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)
- An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
- A Tree Protection Plan and Method Statement
These components ensure that development can proceed responsibly while preserving important trees.
Do I need a BS5837 tree survey if there are no protected trees on my site?
Yes — even if there are no Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or Conservation Area restrictions, many planning departments still require a BS5837 survey for due diligence. It demonstrates that your development won’t pose an avoidable risk to trees and helps support biodiversity and sustainable construction. It also avoids issues later in the planning process.
How is a BS5837 survey different from a Mortgage Tree Report?
While both are professional tree assessments, a Mortgage Tree Report is designed for property purchases and highlights risks to buildings, such as subsidence caused by tree roots. A BS5837 tree report, on the other hand, is a planning requirement and focuses on how development will affect trees and what must be done to protect them. If you’re buying land with trees, you may need both types of survey for different stages of the process.