Tree protection on building sites

​Consider trees early in planning

Including trees early in planning helps protect them. Trees should be considered at the outset so they can inform site layout and design decisions.

You should avoid removing trees or hedgerows before submitting a planning application. 

Early removal can: 

• limit proper assessment of the site
• reduce opportunities to retain important trees
• conflict with planning policies that seek to protect and enhance biodiversity

Even where trees are not formally protected, their loss may still be considered when assessing the overall quality and environmental impact of a proposal.

At the pre-planning stage, you should:

• check if any trees are protected or listed
• identify significant trees and hedgerows

You must include the following with planning applications that affect significant trees or hedgerows:

• a tree survey
• an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

Following these steps helps trees survive construction.

Protecting their natural environment means they can:

• continue to grow
• improve the look of the development
• provide long-term environmental benefits

​Significant trees and hedgerows

Significant trees and hedgerow are usually:

• large or mature
• clearly visible
• in good condition
• important for the local area

They are often classed as Category A or B under British Standard 5837.

Tree survey

A tree survey records:

• location
• size
  
• species
• condition
• whether the tree should be retained or removed

Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)​

An AIA explains:

• how development may affect trees
• how to avoid or reduce damage

It informs the design process and supports the planning application.

Include trees in your design

You must use the tree survey and AIA when designing your development.

Your design should:

• retain significant trees and hedgerow where possible
• avoid damage to roots, canopies and soil levels, including root disturbance and changes in ground levels
• plan site layout, access routes and construction methods carefully

If tree removal is unavoidable, you must:

• clearly justify why
• provide mitigation, such as replacement planting

Work closely with planning and arboricultural specialists early in the process to ensure trees are properly considered.

Prepare before construction starts​

Before starting work, you may need to submit (by planning condition):

• an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
• a Tree Protection Plan (TPP)

These documents set out how the recommendations in the AIA will be implemented and trees will be protected during construction.

Before construction work begins

You must:

• make sure all arboricultural documents are approved
• share this information with the project team
• install tree protection fencing and ground protection
• ensure all measures follow British Standard 5837

Protection must be in place before:

• equipment enters the site
• materials are stored
• any work starts

Brief contractors

All workers must understand:

• where trees are located
• which trees are being protected
• the extent of Root Protection Areas (RPAs)

You must control:

• excavation
• changes to ground levels
• storage of materials
• vehicle movements
  

Protect trees during construction​

During construction, you must:

• follow the Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)
• follow the Tree Protection Plan (TPP)
• keep all protection measures in place
• monitor the site regularly

A qualified arboricultural professional may need to supervise key stages.

R​​eport issues

You must report and agree any:

• damage to trees
• breaches of protection measures
• unexpected issues

You must do this with:

• your arboricultural specialist
• the planning department

Do not continue work until the issues are resolved.

Glossary

Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)

A report that explains how development may affect trees. It also sets out ways to avoid, minimise or mitigate harm.

Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)

A document that explains how construction work will be carried out to protect trees. It sets out working methods, sequencing, and any special measures, based on the AIA.

Tree Protection Plan (TPP)

A drawing that shows:

• trees to be retained
• protection fencing
• ground protection
• Root Protection Areas (RPAs)
  

It may also show site features relevant to tree protection, such as:

• access routes and construction exclusion zones
• the location of site compounds or storage areas
• indicative routing of underground services
• areas requiring special construction methods, such as no-dig surfacing within RPAs

Further guidance

Tree protection on building sites: Supplementary Planning Guidance Note 14​​