Tree surveys and reports that keep your project moving

If there are trees on or next to your site, your local planning authority will usually require an arboricultural survey to BS5837:2012 before they'll determine the application. It shows how trees will be affected and protected. If you're unsure, send me the site details and I'll tell you exactly what's needed.

BS5837:2012 is the British Standard for 'Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction'. A BS5837 survey records each tree's species, size, condition and a quality category, then feeds into a Tree Constraints Plan, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment and a Tree Protection Plan — the documents planners look for.

I work across the South West of England — including Somerset, Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon. If you're just outside that, get in touch and I'll let you know if I can help.

Every site is different, so I price each job individually based on the number of trees, the site and the reports required. You'll always get a clear fixed quote up front with no surprises — just get in touch for a free quote.

Turnaround depends on the size of the job and the time of year, but I'll always agree a realistic timescale with you when you book — and do my best to work to your planning or purchase deadlines.

A tree surgeon carries out the physical work — pruning, felling and climbing. An arboricultural consultant is independent: I assess, measure and report on trees, and advise on planning, risk and management. I don't carry out the works myself, which keeps the advice impartial.

QTRA (Quantified Tree Risk Assessment) is a recognised method for measuring the risk a tree poses in a proportionate, defensible way — balancing the value of the tree against the level of risk, so you can make informed, reasonable decisions and evidence your duty of care.

Yes — if you use climbing, rigging or lifting equipment for work at height, LOLER 1998 requires a 'thorough examination' at least every six months. I carry these out as a qualified arborist and provide clear records for your safety file.

Possibly, but you'll need consent first. Works to a protected tree, or a tree in a Conservation Area, require an application or notification to the local authority. I can check whether your tree is protected and prepare and submit the application for you.

Yes. I prepare pre-purchase and homebuyer tree reports, assessments where a mortgage lender has flagged trees, and investigations where a tree is implicated in subsidence — with clear, practical recommendations for buyers, owners and insurers.