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Tree Surveys

Planning‑ready arboricultural surveys, reports and drawings for development sites across the South-West including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

Planning‑ready arboricultural surveys, reports and drawings for development sites

A BS5837 Tree Survey is essential for any development site where trees are present. Our qualified arboricultural consultants provide clear, planning‑ready reports that help you progress your application smoothly, avoid delays, and design confidently around existing trees.

Why Developers Choose Us

  • Deep Knowledge of the planning system
  • Specialists in BS5837 compliance
  • Proven success overcoming tree constraints
  • Experienced with sites containing protected trees
Dart Tree Advisors to Commercial Developers

What We Provide

  • Tree Constraints Plans (TCP) Above‑ and below‑ground constraints, including shading and root protection areas.

  • Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) Clear assessment of how your development affects existing and retained trees.

  • Tree Protection Plans (TPP) Construction‑ready plans showing CEZ fencing, protection measures and mitigation.

  • Arboricultural Method Statements Practical, contractor‑friendly instructions for working safely around trees.

  • Site Monitoring Visits Required by many Local Authorities to discharge planning conditions.

  • Discharge of Arboricultural Planning Conditions Fast, reliable sign‑off to keep your project moving

Early Engagement Saves You Time and Money

Engaging us early in your project helps you avoid costly redesigns and planning delays.

We can:

  • Carry out pre‑purchase checks

  • Advise on the development potential of a plot

  • Work directly from your topographical survey

  • Identify constraints before architects and engineers begin detailed design

This early clarity prevents surprises and ensures your design team works from accurate, tree‑related data from day one.

Avoid Planning Delays and Costly Redesigns

Tree‑related issues are one of the most common causes of planning delays. A clear BS5837 survey ensures:

  • Your architect designs with accurate tree data

  • The Local Authority receives everything they need first time

  • You avoid objections, redesigns and unexpected constraints

  • Your project progresses smoothly from concept to construction

 
Dart Tree Tree Constraint Plan for a residential development in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset

Speak to a Qualified Arboricultural Consultant

Engaging us early in your project helps you avoid costly redesigns and planning delays.

We can:

  • Carry out pre‑purchase checks

  • Advise on the development potential of a plot

  • Work directly from your topographical survey

  • Identify constraints before architects and engineers begin detailed design

This early clarity prevents surprises and ensures your design team works from accurate, tree‑related data from day one.

Why Choose Dart Tree Consultancy?

Areas We Cover

Cornwall

Bodmin, Bude, Callington, Camborne, Camelford, Falmouth, Fowey, Hayle, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Looe, Lostwithiel, Marazion, Newquay, Padstow, Penryn, Penzance, Redruth, Saltash, St Austell, St Ives, Torpoint, Truro, Wadebridge and all surrounding areas.

Devon

Ashburton, Axminster, Barnstaple, Bideford, Brixham, Braunton, Brixham, Chagford, Crediton, Cullompton, Dawlish, Dartmouth, Exmouth, Exeter, Great Torrington, Holsworthy, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Kingsbridge, Lynton, Lynmouth, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot, North Tawton, Okehampton, Paignton, Plymouth, Salcombe, Seaton, Sidmouth, South Brent, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth, Tiverton, Torquay, Totnes and all surrounding areas.

Somerset

Axbridge, Bath, Bridgwater, Bruton, Burnham-on-Sea, Castle Cary, Chard, Cheddar, Clevedon, Crewkerne, Dulverton, Frome, Glastonbury, Highbridge, Ilminster, Keynsham, Langport, Minehead, Nailsea, Portishead, Radstock, Shepton Mallet, Somerton, South Petherton, Street, Taunton, Watchet, Wellington, Wells, Weston-super-Mare, Williton, Wincanton, Yeovil

Dorset

Beaminster, Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Lyme Regis, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Verwood, Wareham, Weymouth, Wimborne Minster and all surrounding areas.

Arboricultural Consultancy, Tree Surveys & Planning Frequently Asked Questions

If your site has trees on or near the boundary, most Local Authorities require a BS5837 survey before validating a planning application. This applies to extensions, new builds, conversions, access changes and larger developments. The survey identifies tree constraints and ensures your design complies with planning policy.

A full BS5837 package typically includes:

  • Tree survey schedule

  • Tree constraints plan (TCP)

  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

  • Tree Protection Plan (TPP)

  • Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)

  • Site monitoring (if required) These documents support your planning application from design through to construction.

 

Costs vary depending on site size, number of trees and the level of reporting required. BS5837 surveys are typically more detailed than safety inspections. We provide clear, fixed‑fee quotes before any work begins.

Absolutely. We regularly work alongside architects, planning consultants, developers and Local Authorities to resolve tree‑related constraints and support successful planning outcomes.

A tree risk assessment evaluates the likelihood of tree failure and the potential consequences. It helps landowners manage risk responsibly and proportionately. We use QTRA‑based principles to ensure assessments are evidence‑led and cost‑effective.

Inspection frequency depends on tree condition, location and usage of the surrounding area. Typical re‑inspection cycles range from 1–5 years. We provide tailored recommendations based on risk level.

 

Yes. We assist with:

  • TPO applications

  • Objections

  • Works to trees in Conservation Areas

  • Advice on protected tree management, our reports are designed to meet Local Authority requirements.

Yes. We are a fully independent consultancy and not linked to any tree surgery company. Our recommendations are always in the best interests of you and your trees.

 

Yes, we have Professional Indemnity insurance to £2,000,000 and Public liability insurance to £2,000,000.

We operate throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset and sometimes further afield. Get in touch to see if we can help in your area.

What our customers have to Say

Working with Stewart was a pleasure. He knows everything there is to know about trees and provided prompt useful guidance for the development of our site. Highly recommend.

Keith Edwards, Devon

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