Tree surveys and landscaping assessments - Tree surveys explained

When is a Tree Survey required?

Where there are trees within the application site, or on land adjacent to it that could influence or be affected by the development (including street trees), information will be required from the applicant on which trees are to be retained and on the means of protecting these trees during construction works. This information should be prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced Arboriculturist.

How should the Tree Survey be used?

The information in the schedule of the Tree Survey should be used to inform the design of the development site layout. In general, the layout should provide for the retention of as much of the suitable existing tree cover as possible and detailed references should be made to the Tree Survey in this respect. In particular the Root Protection Areas identified in the Tree Constraints Plan should be considered as an exclusion zone for any development activity. It should also be used to address any issues in relation to temporary site access, haul routes, car parking, temporary structures and toilets and the storage of materials during construction.

A checklist of potentially damaging operations is as follows;-

  • Installation and future maintenance of drainage and services should avoid conflict with trees to be retained;
  • Raising or lowering of ground levels;
  • Soils compaction caused by construction activity e.g. movement of site plant, machinery and vehicles, storage of materials and debris;
  • Dumping or spillage of toxic materials;
  • The installation of new surfacing;
  • Direct physical damage to tree trunks and branches by vehicles, plant and machinery
  • Fires.

 

 


Last Updated on Wednesday, December 20, 2023