Introduction
If you are preparing a planning application where trees are present on or close to the site, you may have been asked for a BS5837 Tree Survey. One of the first questions is usually how much the survey will cost.
There is no single price that applies to every BS5837 survey. The fee depends on factors including the size and complexity of the site, the number of trees involved, the information required by the planning authority and whether additional arboricultural documents are needed.
Understanding these factors can help you obtain an accurate quotation and, more importantly, make sure you commission the right level of arboricultural work for your planning application.
What Factors Affect BS5837 Tree Survey Cost?
Several practical factors determine how much arboricultural work will be required.
1. The Number of Trees on and Around the Site
The number of relevant trees is one of the clearest factors affecting survey time.
A site containing a handful of trees will normally require less fieldwork and data processing than one containing dozens or hundreds of trees.
Trees outside the site’s boundary can also be relevant. For example, a mature tree growing on neighbouring land may influence a proposed extension or new building if its canopy or rooting area extends towards the development.
The survey scope therefore cannot always be determined simply by counting trees within the red line boundary.
2. The Size and Complexity of the Site
Site area alone does not determine the price.
A relatively small site can still be arboriculturally complicated if it contains dense vegetation, groups of trees, difficult access, steep terrain or significant interaction between trees and the proposed development.
Conversely, a larger open site with relatively few trees may be more straightforward to assess.
This is why consultants usually need sufficient site information before confirming the scope and fee.
3. The Quality of the Existing Site Plan
A suitable topographical survey can be important for BS5837 work because the locations of trees and other site features need to be accurately represented.
If appropriate survey information is already available, it can help the arboricultural consultant prepare accurate plans and assess how trees relate to the development.
Before commissioning arboricultural work, it is worth providing any existing topographical plans, architectural drawings and relevant planning information.
4. The Stage Your Development Has Reached
The stage of the project can affect what arboricultural information is required.
Ideally, trees are considered early in the design process rather than once the layout has effectively been fixed. Early assessment allows significant trees and their constraints to inform decisions about building positions, access, services and other elements of the proposal.
If a design has already been prepared, additional assessment may be needed to understand potential conflicts between the proposed development and retained trees.
Our Planning Surveys service provides arboricultural input for development and planning projects.
5. Whether an Arboricultural Impact Assessment Is Required
A tree survey records the relevant trees and provides the baseline arboricultural information, but this may not be the end of the planning process.
Where a development could affect trees, an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, often shortened to AIA, may also be required.
An AIA considers how the proposed development could affect existing trees and helps identify potential conflicts. This might include the relationship between trees and proposed buildings, access arrangements, changes in ground levels or other construction activity.
If an AIA forms part of the required work, this will affect the overall professional fee.
6. Whether a Tree Protection Plan Is Needed
Retained trees may need to be protected while demolition or construction takes place.
A Tree Protection Plan identifies the measures needed to safeguard trees during the works. Depending on the project, this can include the position of protective barriers and areas where construction activities need to be controlled.
Producing this additional information requires further arboricultural input beyond carrying out the initial tree survey.
7. Whether an Arboricultural Method Statement Is Required
More complex projects may also require an Arboricultural Method Statement.
This provides practical detail about how particular operations will be carried out where there is potential for construction work to affect retained trees.
The exact requirements depend on the site, the development and the planning context, so it should not automatically be assumed that every BS5837 project requires the same package of documents.
Why Is It Difficult to Give a Fixed BS5837 Survey Price?
A fixed online price can be misleading because two apparently similar planning applications may involve very different levels of work.
Consider two residential projects.
The first might involve a proposed extension with only a small number of relevant trees and clear site information. The second might involve several mature trees around the property, neighbouring trees close to the boundary and a design that interacts with their root protection areas.
Both are residential developments, but the arboricultural work involved may be significantly different.
An accurate quotation should therefore reflect the actual scope rather than simply the type of planning application.
What Information Helps When Requesting a Quote?
Providing good information at the outset makes it easier for an arboricultural consultant to understand the project and establish what is required.
Useful information can include:
- The site address
- A location or site plan
- A topographical survey, if available
- Existing and proposed layout drawings
- Details of the proposed development
- Any correspondence from the local planning authority relating to trees
- Planning application details, if an application has already been submitted
- Any previous tree reports relating to the site
It is also useful to explain the current stage of the project and whether the local planning authority has specifically requested arboricultural information.
Is the Cheapest BS5837 Tree Survey the Best Option?
Price is naturally part of choosing a consultant, but the scope of the quotation is equally important.
A lower quote may not necessarily represent better value if it does not include the information required for the planning application.
When comparing quotations, check what is actually included. In particular, establish whether the fee covers only the initial tree survey or also includes plans, impact assessment, tree protection information or other planning-related arboricultural work.
The objective should be to commission proportionate professional advice that addresses the requirements of the project.
Can a BS5837 Survey Save Problems Later in the Planning Process?
Considering trees early can help identify potential design constraints before they become more difficult to resolve.
For example, an arboricultural assessment may highlight where a proposed building, driveway or other feature interacts with an important tree or its rooting area. The design team can then consider whether the scheme should be adjusted.
This does not mean that the presence of trees automatically prevents development. Instead, good arboricultural information allows tree constraints to be considered alongside the other requirements of the project.
For projects needing ongoing arboricultural input, our Planning Support service can help throughout the planning and design process.
Do I Need a BS5837 Tree Survey Before Submitting a Planning Application?
That depends on the site and the proposed development.
Where trees could influence, or be affected by, a development proposal, appropriate arboricultural information may need to accompany the planning application. Requirements can vary according to the site and local planning authority.
Commissioning the survey early can also be beneficial even before a formal request is made. It gives architects, homeowners and developers an opportunity to understand tree constraints while there is still flexibility within the design.
If you are unsure whether you require a BS5837 survey, obtaining advice before submission can help establish what level of assessment is appropriate.
When Should You Seek Professional Arboricultural Advice?
Professional advice is particularly worthwhile when:
- Trees are close to a proposed extension or new building
- Mature trees are present within or around a development site
- Neighbouring trees could influence the proposal
- The planning authority has requested a tree survey or arboricultural report
- The development could affect tree rooting areas
- You are unsure which BS5837 documents your application requires
- A design needs to be reviewed in relation to existing trees
Black Mountains Tree Consultancy provides independent arboricultural advice backed by more than 20 years of experience, supporting homeowners, architects, landowners, developers, councils and other organisations.
Where the condition of an individual tree also requires investigation, a separate tree assessment may be appropriate.
Getting an Accurate BS5837 Tree Survey Cost
The best way to establish the cost of a BS5837 Tree Survey is to obtain a quotation based on the specific site and development proposal.
Providing plans, drawings and any relevant planning correspondence allows the required scope to be assessed before work begins. It also makes it easier to distinguish between the initial survey and any additional arboricultural documents that may be required as the application progresses.
If you need a BS5837 survey for a planning application, contact Black Mountains Tree Consultancy for independent advice and a quotation based on your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a BS5837 Tree Survey cost?
There is no universal fee for a BS5837 Tree Survey. Cost depends on the number and distribution of trees, site complexity, available plans and the arboricultural documents required for the planning application. A site-specific quotation provides a more reliable indication than a standard price.
What is included in a BS5837 Tree Survey?
The survey records relevant information about trees that could influence a proposed development. The resulting information helps identify tree constraints and informs the planning and design process. Additional documents may be required depending on the proposal.
How long does a BS5837 Tree Survey take?
The time required varies according to the size and complexity of the site, the number of trees and the scope of reporting. Larger or more complex development sites generally require more fieldwork, analysis and preparation than straightforward sites.
Do I need a BS5837 survey for a house extension?
You may need one where trees on or near the property could be affected by the extension or could influence its design. The requirements depend on the site and planning circumstances, so professional advice can help determine what information is appropriate.
Is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment the same as a BS5837 Tree Survey?
No. The tree survey provides baseline information about the relevant trees and their constraints. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment considers the effects of a proposed development on those trees. Depending on the project, both may form part of the arboricultural information submitted for planning.
When should I commission a BS5837 Tree Survey?
Ideally, arboricultural constraints should be considered early in the design process. This allows existing trees to inform decisions about the development layout rather than trying to resolve avoidable conflicts once the design is substantially complete.