General Tree Condition Survey

Overview

A General Tree Condition Survey is a broad-scale, visual assessment of tree stock across a defined area to identify trees that may require further inspection, maintenance, or management intervention. This type of survey provides an overview of tree health, structural condition, and associated risks, helping to prioritise resources and ensure compliance with landowner duty of care.

Purpose and Application

The survey is designed to:

• Assess the overall physiological and structural condition of trees within a site (e.g., parkland, roadside, estate grounds).
• Identify obvious defects such as deadwood, cavities, basal decay, leaning or limb failure.
• Flag high-risk trees for more detailed inspection or remedial action.
• Provide a baseline record of tree stock for asset management or future planning.

Survey Methodology

• Inspections are conducted from ground level and are visual-only (non-invasive).
• Trees may be assessed individually or in groups, depending on location, density and access.
• Recorded information typically includes:
  • Species (or broad type, e.g. deciduous conifer)
  • Approximate size (height and stem diameter class)
  • General health and vigour
  • Visible structural defects
  • Risk level or priority rating
  • Recommended action (if needed – e.g., monitor, prune, remove)

Trees posing immediate risk to people, property, or public highways are identified for urgent works, while trees in good condition are noted as such and included in ongoing monitoring schedules.

This type of survey is ideal as a first-pass safety check, a routine annual review or to inform wider woodland or estate management planning.

BS5837 Survey – Trees in relation to building and construction

A BS5837 Tree Survey is a specialist arboricultural assessment undertaken in accordance with British Standard 5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations. It forms a crucial part of the planning process where development may affect trees, ensuring that their value is considered during site design and construction.

Purpose

The primary aim of the BS5837 survey is to:

• Identify and assess all trees on or adjacent to a proposed development site that may be impacted by construction.
• Categorise trees based on their quality, condition and potential lifespan.
• Provide accurate, evidence-based data to inform design layout, tree protection measures and planning decisions.

Survey Scope and Methodology

• The survey is carried out by a qualified arboriculturalist and includes all trees within the site and those off-site that may be affected.
• Trees are individually tagged and recorded, and grouped where appropriate.
• Key data collected for each tree includes:
  • Tree species (botanical and common name)
  • Height, stem diameter (DBH), crown spread (in four compass directions) and height of first significant branch
  • Physiological and structural condition
  • Estimated remaining contribution (in years)
  • BS5837 Category (A, B, C, U) to reflect the tree’s value and retention potential
• Root Protection Areas (RPAs) are calculated and shown on the accompanying tree constraints plan (TCP).

Deliverables

• Tree Schedule summarising all collected data.
• Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) showing RPAs, canopy spreads and tree categories overlaid on a site base plan.
• Optional follow-on documents include:
  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
  • Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
  • Tree Protection Plan (TPP) for planning submission

BS5837 surveys are essential to comply with local planning authority requirements, reduce construction impacts on trees and support high-quality, sustainable site design.