The construction of buildings and large landscape structures can have a detrimental effect on retained trees if proper protection is not planned and provided at an early stage of the development process. The proper identification of trees worthy of retention is imperative if money and time is not to be wasted on poor quality trees that could be removed and replaced to facilitate development.

Trees of a higher quality should be considered for retention to enhance and enrich the landscape. Replacement and additional tree planting should, if properly selected and maintained, provide long-term tree cover for many generations

Aims on construction sites

• Enable development to proceed with the long-term retention of good quality trees in suitable locations
• Provide methods of protection above ground (crown and stems) and below ground (roots) for trees identified for retention
• Improve communication between local authorities and developers to enable tree led design where long-term tree amenity is retained and improved

Methods on construction sites

• British Standard surveys (BS 5837:2005) - 'Trees in Relation to Construction' - 'Recommendations'
• Pre-planning site meetings
• Tree Constraints Plans - Autocad DWG and DXF formats
• Arboricultural Implications Assessments
• Arboricultural Method Statements
• Site Supervision
• Pre-commencement site meetings
• Tree works supervision
• Planning appeals (last resort)

Refusal of planning
A property developer was refused planning permission because he had not considered the impact on nearby trees outside the site.

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Maximising the value of land
An architect was commissioned to propose planning to maximise the value of a plot of land for development.

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