Arboricultural / Tree Surveys
Get in touchAcorn Ecology provides Arboricultural / Tree Surveys for clients and across the UK. The company helps identify tree constraints, assess tree health and support planning applications with clear, professional survey reports that assist informed decision-making.
What Is Arboricultural / Tree Surveys?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys are professional assessments that identify, measure and evaluate trees on or near a site. Acorn Ecology carries out surveys to record species, condition, dimensions and potential constraints, providing reports that support planning applications, development projects and long-term tree management.
Tree surveys typically assess factors including tree species, age class, height, stem diameter, crown spread, physiological condition and structural condition. The findings help developers, landowners and planning consultants understand how trees may influence a proposed project.
What Types of Arboricultural / Tree Surveys Are Available?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys include several survey types designed for planning, construction and tree management. Acorn Ecology recommends the most suitable survey based on the site's requirements and project stage.
BS 5837 Tree Surveys – Assess trees affected by proposed development and planning applications.
Tree Condition Surveys – Evaluate tree health, structural stability and maintenance needs.
Tree Constraints Plans – Identify root protection areas and canopy spreads for development design.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments – Assess how proposed development may affect existing trees.
Tree Protection Plans – Outline protective measures during construction works.
When Is Arboricultural / Tree Surveys Needed?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys are commonly required before planning applications, construction projects or significant land management works. Acorn Ecology carries out surveys before development begins to identify tree-related constraints and reduce project delays.
Surveys are often needed when:
Preparing planning applications.
Developing residential or commercial sites.
Extending existing buildings.
Constructing roads, utilities or infrastructure.
Managing mature or protected trees.
Assessing potential safety risks.
How Does Arboricultural / Tree Surveys Work?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys follow a structured assessment process that typically takes between 1 day and several days depending on the site's size and tree numbers. Acorn Ecology produces reports that support planning and management decisions.
Conduct an initial site inspection.
Record tree species, dimensions and condition.
Assess root protection areas and development constraints.
Prepare plans and supporting documentation.
Provide the completed survey report for planning or project use.
Who Needs Arboricultural / Tree Surveys?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys are suitable for anyone managing land or planning development near existing trees. Acorn Ecology supports projects ranging from individual residential developments to large commercial and infrastructure schemes.
Typical clients include:
Property developers.
Homeowners.
Architects.
Planning consultants.
Construction companies.
Local authorities.
Landowners.
Utility providers.
How Much Does Arboricultural / Tree Surveys Cost?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys typically cost from around £300 to £2,500+, depending on site size, tree numbers and reporting requirements. Acorn Ecology provides quotations based on each project's individual scope.
Typical cost ranges include:
Small residential survey: £300–£600
Medium development site: £600–£1,500
Large or complex developments: £1,500–£2,500+
Costs are influenced by the number of trees, site accessibility, report complexity and whether additional assessments are required.
What Are the Benefits of Arboricultural / Tree Surveys?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys provide reliable information that supports planning decisions and responsible tree management. Acorn Ecology delivers reports that help projects progress while considering existing trees appropriately.
Benefits include:
Supports planning applications.
Identifies valuable and protected trees.
Assesses tree health and safety.
Helps reduce development risks.
Assists compliance with planning requirements.
Supports effective tree management.
What Regulations Apply to Arboricultural / Tree Surveys?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys are commonly prepared in accordance with BS 5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction where development is proposed. Planning authorities may also consider Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and conservation area protections when assessing development proposals.
The Local Planning Authority determines planning requirements, while survey recommendations help inform development design and tree protection measures.
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Arboricultural / Tree Survey cost?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys generally cost between £300 and £2,500+ depending on the site's size, the number of trees and the level of reporting required. A project-specific quotation confirms the final cost.
How long does an Arboricultural / Tree Survey take?
Most Arboricultural / Tree Surveys require 1 day for smaller sites, while larger developments may take 2 to 5 days including fieldwork and report preparation.
Is an Arboricultural / Tree Survey required for planning applications?
Many planning applications involving existing trees require Arboricultural / Tree Surveys, particularly where development may affect trees. Local Planning Authority requirements determine when a survey is needed.
How long is an Arboricultural / Tree Survey valid?
Arboricultural / Tree Surveys are commonly relied upon for around 12 months, although changing tree conditions or revised development proposals may require an updated assessment.
Can Arboricultural / Tree Surveys identify protected trees?
Yes. Arboricultural / Tree Surveys identify existing trees and help highlight where Tree Preservation Orders or conservation area restrictions may affect proposed works, although confirmation is obtained from the relevant Local Planning Authority.
Get a Free Quote for Arboricultural / Tree Surveys
Acorn Ecology provides Arboricultural / Tree Surveys for residential, commercial and development projects and throughout the UK. Contact the team to discuss your project and receive a tailored quotation.
Related Arboricultural / Tree Surveys Services
Tree assessments are commonly completed alongside a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal to provide a comprehensive understanding of site constraints.
Where trees have the potential to support roosting bats, our bat surveys help determine whether further ecological assessment is required.
Survey findings often contribute towards an Ecological Impact Assessment, supporting sustainable development and planning decisions.
Sites containing invasive vegetation may also benefit from Japanese knotweed surveys before construction or landscaping work begins.
Long-term landscape improvements can be supported through habitat management and enhancement plans, balancing tree retention with biodiversity objectives.
All survey findings can be brought together within our ecological planning support and survey reports for submission with planning applications.