Tree Surveys and Management

Tree surveys for the planning process

You will need a tree survey for any planning application that may affect existing trees. Our tree surveyors assess the impact of the proposed development on the trees on and around the site. We carry out tree surveys and produce reports for this purpose, in accordance with British Standard BS 5837:2012 – ‘Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations’.
During the tree survey, we’ll accurately map the locations of established trees and determine their condition and whether they should be retained. Also during the survey, we will assess whether the trees show evidence of use by bats or other protected species.

Using the survey, we identify the trees that will be affected by the proposed development and evaluate the impact on them. Your architect or designer can then consider this during the design process and produce the final site layout accordingly.
We will prepare a tree protection plan. This identifies the trees that will be removed. It will also show the protection measures that are required for trees that will be kept. We provide instructions on how to protect the trees that are to be retained, and we’ll supervise the protection during the construction works.

Being highly experienced in major developments, we know what is needed to achieve planning approval. We produce clear and thorough tree survey reports that are designed to provide the information the planning authority needs.
If you need a tree report to support a mortgage application, we can assist with this.
Please just get in touch. We will explain the process, answer any questions you may have and provide a free quote for the survey.

Tree Preservation Orders and trees in Conservation Areas

Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. If a tree is protected, it is an offence to remove, prune, or damage it, even if it is on private land. In addition, some urban and rural areas are designated as Conservation Areas. Trees in Conservation Areas are also protected. If you are unsure if your property is in a Conservation Area, you can find maps and details of Conservation Areas and Tree Preservation Orders on the Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council websites. Most other local authorities also publish this information.

You must inform the local planning authority about all works proposed for trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or for trees situated in a Conservation Area.
We can provide tree work specifications suitable for presentation to the local authority. Where required, we can obtain the necessary permissions for the work on your behalf.

Tree risk management

The owner or occupier of a site has a responsibility (or ‘duty of care’) to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimise the risk of any trees on the site causing personal injury or damage to property. This includes breakage or uprooting of a tree.
We are able to carry out inspections and give advice on best practice in arboriculture and risk management. We’ll help you develop a suitable approach for tree management at your site, whether in a public area or a private garden or estate.
Our forestry company, Eastland Foresters, can carry out tree surgery and any maintenance required for health and safety reasons. We can attend at short notice in the event of storm damage or an emergency.

Veteran trees

Veteran trees are a unique part of the environment and may help us to understand how the land has been used in the past. They may be found in woods, parklands associated with historic buildings or other environments.
These old trees are especially important for biological reasons. By studying veteran trees, arborists are able to understand trees more fully. Trees are linked to the air and land through their leaves and roots. They are also linked to other ecological systems, since they provide habitat for birds, reptiles, mammals, insects and other plants and fungi. These inter-relationships mean that a tree and its associated biology is constantly changing throughout its life. Veteran trees have a special place in this life cycle.
Managing and protecting veteran trees can help to maintain the local ecosystem. Different veteran trees of the same species and same age may need different management, depending on their structure and ‘physicality’.

At Astell Associates, we understand the need for a holistic approach. Therefore, we use all aspects of the tree’s interrelated biology to produce a realistic programme for management. We can provide reports to give detailed management specifications for each tree.
We have skilled arborists to carry out tree surgery and maintenance on these special trees. This may include bracing or limb support and propping.

Woodland management plans

If you own an area of woodland or forest, we can provide a long term management plan. This will protect the health of your trees and sustain the whole ecology of the site.
We will first carry out a tree survey, as described above, to establish the make-up of the woodland and the condition of the trees. Then we’ll advise you on any tree work that may be required, for example to remove damaged trees or branches. Sometimes it is beneficial to fell trees to improve the quality of the woodland.

Your forest or woodland may be listed in the National Forest Inventory, which monitors woodlands and trees. In addition, the Ancient Woodland Inventory (Scotland) was created to protect Scotland’s ancient trees and habitats. If your woodland is listed, we’ll advise you on the implications and any restrictions there might be on development or felling.
We also work closely with Forestry & Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry in helping to manage Scotland’s woodlands.

If you need tree works carried out, we can provide experienced tree surgeons to do the work professionally and efficiently.
We will develop a re-planting scheme for you if this is needed. We’ll select suitable species for planting, taking into account key site factors including the location, elevation, soil type, nutrient status, and soil water availability. We also consider the ecological requirements of different tree species and woodland communities. Our emphasis is always on using indigenous species to help restore the natural Scottish landscape.

Tree planting and landscaping

An important aspect of new developments is landscape planting. Sometimes this is to replace trees that have been felled for the development, or it may just be to improve the amenity of the site.
Taking into account the space available and other site factors, we will use our experience and knowledge to select the right tree species.
We provide landscape designs with detailed specifications for site preparation, tree planting, and aftercare. We can supply the plants, and our trained staff can plant out the area for you.

For all your arboricultural needs, do not hesitate to give us a call.