Do You Need a Tree Survey? A Plain English Guide to Arboricultural Reports
Tree surveys aren't something most people think about until they're suddenly required. Then the questions come quickly: what type do I need, who does them, how long do they take, and what do I get at the end? At Gem Tree Management, we produce professional arboricultural reports for planning applications, property transactions, and risk assessments. Here's a straightforward guide to everything you need to know.
What is a tree survey?
A tree survey is a formal assessment of the trees on a given site, carried out by a qualified arborist. It records the key details of each tree: species, height, canopy spread, trunk diameter, condition rating, and any recommended management. Depending on the type of survey, it may also include root protection area calculations, constraints maps, and management recommendations.
The resulting report provides a documented, professional record of the trees on a site. This is essential for planning purposes, for demonstrating due diligence in property transactions, and for managing risk from trees that may pose a hazard to people or structures.
Tree surveys for planning applications
If you're applying for planning permission for development that involves trees, whether those trees are on the application site or adjacent to it and potentially affected by the works, you'll almost certainly need a full arboricultural survey. This is the format required by virtually all local planning authorities in England and Wales.
A planning tree survey categorises trees by their amenity value and condition, assigns each a retention category, calculates root protection areas, and produces both a written report and a tree constraints plan, a scaled drawing showing tree positions and root protection areas. This information allows the planning authority to assess how the proposed development interacts with the trees on and around the site.
If you're planning a project involving trees and haven't arranged a survey, it's worth doing so early in the process. Planning applications submitted without the required arboricultural information are likely to be delayed or refused.
Risk assessments: when safety is the priority
Not all tree surveys are related to planning. Risk assessments are carried out when there's a concern about the safety of trees, typically on private land where trees are close to structures, roads, footpaths, or areas of regular public access.
A risk assessment involves a qualified arborist inspecting the trees and identifying any defects that could result in branch or stem failure. This might include decay, structural weakness, root problems, or the effects of disease. The report will prioritise any recommended works by urgency and risk level.
For landowners, a documented risk assessment is important evidence of due diligence. If a tree subsequently fails and causes injury or damage, having a current, professionally produced risk assessment that recommended or cleared the tree is highly relevant from a liability perspective.
Vendor and purchaser surveys
Trees on a property are increasingly subject to scrutiny during the conveyancing process. Purchasers and their solicitors want to know about any protected trees, significant management requirements, and potential liabilities. Vendors who can provide a recent, professional tree survey are in a stronger position, it provides transparency and can help to avoid delays in the transaction.
If you're buying a property with significant trees, arranging an independent survey before exchange gives you a clear picture of any obligations or potential costs you're taking on. It's a relatively small investment that can save significant expense and stress further down the line.
What to expect from the survey process
A site survey typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the number of trees and the complexity of the site. Our arborist will walk the site systematically, recording the key data for each tree and noting any areas of concern. For planning surveys, a scaled site plan is needed, which we can produce or work from existing plans you provide.
The written report typically follows within a week or two of the site visit, depending on complexity. We produce clear, well-structured reports that meet planning authority requirements and are written in a way that's accessible to non-specialists. If your planning consultant or solicitor needs specific information included, just let us know at the outset.
Ready to book? Contact Gem Tree Management Ltd today for a free, no-obligation site visit and quote. Our team of fully qualified, fully insured arborists is here to help with everything from routine maintenance to complex tree surgery.