BS5837 Tree Survey & Report – Development Site in Harrogate
Client: Confidential
Location: Harrogate
Service: BS5837 Tree Survey, Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Check, Arboricultural Report
Project Overview
JCA was commissioned to carry out a BS5837 tree survey at a proposed development site in Harrogate. The purpose was to assess the existing trees and provide a comprehensive report to guide the design and planning process in line with British Standard BS5837:2021 (‘Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations’).
Statutory Tree Controls
A consultation was made with Harrogate Borough Council to identify any statutory protections affecting the trees. The findings included:
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All trees on site are located within a Conservation Area
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Six trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Tree Survey Summary & Categorisation
The surveyed trees were categorised according to BS5837 retention categories:
| Category | Description | Number of Trees |
|---|---|---|
| A | High quality, high value (excellent) | 0 |
| B | Moderate quality and value | 18 |
| C | Low quality or value | 8 |
| U | Dead or in poor condition, removal advised | 3 |
Retention Categories Explained
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Category A and B trees are the most valuable and their removal is likely to face resistance from the Local Planning Authority due to their landscape or ecological importance.
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Category C trees are of lower value and their removal is generally less contentious.
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Category U trees are typically dead or have a limited safe life expectancy and are usually recommended for removal regardless of development plans.
Recommendations for Tree Management
To ensure ongoing safety and effective risk management, all retained trees should undergo:
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Regular inspections, ideally on a biennial basis
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Seasonal variation in inspections to identify issues such as pests, diseases, or defects that may only appear at certain times of the year