Arboricultural Planning Services
Our expert arboriculturists are on hand to help with all kinds of services, reports, assessments and plans so you don’t have to feel stumped when it comes to your development or tree management projects. Discover more about our specific arboriculture services below.
Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) reports
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a document produced to assess the impact on the arboricultural assets of a site from a proposed development. Usually, this report follows the BS5837 survey. It’s also a validation requirement for planning applications where trees are in proximity to the site.
The document provides an assessment based on the layout of the development and details the required tree removals, tree pruning works and specialised construction methodologies necessary to ensure trees are safeguarded during the construction process. The document also provides recommendations for mitigating any tree loss (usually through planting new trees at the site) based on local and national planning policy.
Our arboriculture team live and breathe the professional standards of the Arboriculture Association, and they’ll make sure that the Arboricultural Impact Assessment is thorough and concise while talking you through the technicalities so you don’t miss a thing.
As well as the Arboricultural Impact Assessment, we offer a range of arboricultural services to suit your project’s needs.
Arboricultural Surveys (BS 5837)
Every single development that has trees within or within the influence of its boundary will need a BS5837 survey. This forms the base of the Tree Constraints Plan (TCP)
Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) report
This is usually prepared at the reserved matters stage, detailing the methodologies required to construct the development while ensuring trees are safeguarded during development.
Canopy Cover Assessment
Our Canopy Cover Assessment service provides a clear, evidence‑based understanding of tree canopy loss and gain associated with new development. By analysing existing canopy cover, proposes tree loss, and modelling future canopy growth, we can predict how retained trees and proposed planting will contribute to long‑term canopy coverage over time. This helps clients demonstrate compliance with policy requirements, assess net canopy change, and design greener, more sustainable developments.
Arboricultural Appraisals (Feasibility Studies/Due Diligence)
Our Arboricultural Appraisal service provides a high‑level, early assessment of potential development sites to help inform pre‑purchase decisions, technical due diligence, and site‑promotion strategies. We identify key arboricultural opportunities and constraints from the outset, giving you reliable, upfront insight into how trees may influence design, layout, risk, and project viability. This early clarity supports better decision‑making, reduces uncertainty, and helps shape successful development proposals from day one.
Veteran Tree Assessments
Veteran trees are classified as Irreplaceable Habitats under the National Planning Policy Framework and within the BNG regulations. It’s key that any trees which meet the criteria for veteran status are identified robustly as part of a development project, so that they can be suitably incorporated into the scheme and their benefits are secured in the long-term. Using a combination of recognised assessment methodologies and the professional judgement of our arboricultural consultants; we provide robust veteran tree assessments to inform your planning and development projects.
Tree Protection Plans
We will provide Tree Protection Plans that are appended to an Arboricultural Method Statement detailing the locations of tree protection fencing and other tree protective measures required during development.
Expert Witness
Should your application go to appeal, we are able to represent as an expert witness for arboriculture. We have a demonstrable track record of appeal experience in the team including appearing at Public Inquiry and Hearings. We have an excellent understanding of the appeal process and will provide inputs into Statement of Case, Statements of Common Grounds (SoCG) and are own proof of evidence (POE).
Tree Risk-Benefit Surveys
Landowners have a legal responsibility to ensure their trees are managed in a reasonable and proportionate way, keeping people and property safe. Our fully qualified Tree Risk Validators help you meet these obligations with clear, evidence‑based assessments using the VALID Tree Risk-Benefit Assessment System. We provide practical, defensible guidance tailored to your site, helping you understand, document, and manage tree‑related risks with confidence. Our transparent and proportionate approach supports compliance, good governance, and long‑term stewardship of your tree assets.
Estate Management Plans
Working alongside specialist landscape and heritage consultants, we provide bespoke tree management plans to support Countryside Stewardship Schemes and other public funding projects involving the management of trees. Our management plans include a survey of all trees on the land and provide a timed schedule of works to improve tree condition, restore historic landscapes and ancient woodland, and improve the overall resilience of the tree population. This includes identifying veteran trees across the estate and providing recommendations for their future management.
Tree and Woodland Management Plans
Many woodland areas can benefit from having a management regime to promote a healthy woodland environment whilst ensuring the long-term succession of the woodland over time. This can boost your development aspirations when woodland is within the application boundary by showing the local council that you are willing to commit to a long-term management regime.
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Surveys and Critiques
TPOs are statutory, it is important that you are aware of the restrictions a TPO places on your project’s trees. We provide expert analysis of trees subject to TPOs, and where required, contest their validity with the local planning authority and assist with tree works applications.
Amenity Valuation
Many local authorities have a monetary value on their tree stock, the most common one being capital asset value of amenity trees (CAVAT). We can provide both full and short versions of a CAVAT assessment to assist in managing the asset value of tree stock.