Tree Surveys in Merseyside: Assistance with Urban Trees

Rural Areas and Urban Areas in Merseyside with Trees Present

Home to the vibrant city of Liverpool and its surrounding areas, Merseyside boasts an impressive array of green spaces that contribute to the region’s natural beauty and heritage. From the historic Sefton Park in Liverpool – which has been a local favourite since the 19th century – to the lush expanses of Calderstones Park, these spaces are central to the community’s identity. Like Birkenhead Park, Sefton Park played a significant role in the development of public parks across the UK and beyond, influencing urban park designs globally.

Across Merseyside, there are numerous parks and playgrounds, offering residents and visitors a place to relax and enjoy nature. These parks are home to a wide variety of trees, with many notable examples in places like Sefton Park, where over 2,000 trees create a rich, green canopy. Local authorities across Merseyside are dedicated to increasing this tree cover, with plans in place to plant thousands of additional trees by 2030 as part of the region’s broader environmental strategy.

While these efforts enhance the local environment, they also pose challenges for developers in the region. Expanding tree cover can impact development projects, making it essential for developers to commit to a thorough tree survey undertaken by tree consultants to comply with local regulations and ensure their projects can proceed without environmental or legal issues.

Navigating a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and Other Measures

In Merseyside, trees considered valuable by local authorities may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or included in conservation areas. TPOs protect individual trees, while a conservation area will safeguard all trees within a specified zone, requiring prior consent from the local council for any work that may affect them.

Local councils in Merseyside such as Liverpool City Council have the power to implement TPOs and designate conservation areas to preserve the region’s natural heritage. There are numerous conservation areas throughout Merseyside, and developers can find information about TPO-protected trees on the respective council websites. For those interested in learning more about climate change, tree protection, and planting initiatives, resources are available on the Forest Research website.

British Standard Tree Assessments

For developers working in Merseyside, a BS5837 tree survey is crucial for supporting applications for planning consent submitted to the local planning authority. An arboricultural consultant will visit the development site to assess the condition and significance of any trees present. The tree surveying schedule will involve recording various data points such as root growth and tree health and considering factors like the shade provided and the social value of the trees.

Based on the survey data, trees in close proximity to the site will be graded to guide future decisions on whether to retain, relocate, or remove them. Retaining trees is the preferred outcome, especially for younger or ecologically valuable trees located on the site. If, however, trees obstruct the development plans and cannot be retained, they may need to be relocated. In some cases, trees that cannot be retained or relocated by the tree surveyors may be removed and replaced with new plantings as compensation.

Before moving forward with a planning application, developers will need a detailed tree report prepared by an arboricultural surveyor. This report will include all findings from the tree survey and recommendations for mitigating any potential impacts on the trees and predicted tree risk factors. If additional information is required, further surveys such as an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) or Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) may be necessary.

Get in Touch with Our Arboricultural Consultants

Trees in Merseyside can present challenges for developers, particularly when they are located in urban, woodland, or private areas. At Arbtech, we provide nationwide coverage, ensuring that an experienced arboriculturist is available locally to conduct tree surveys and offer impartial advice. Our team is knowledgeable about the Merseyside area, making us well-equipped to provide practical and relevant solutions via extensive arboricultural reports and references to relevant organisations such as the Arboricultural Association.

Our licensed and trained arboricultural surveyors are skilled in conducting assessments, including BS5837 tree surveys to address any issues related to certain trees and the broader planning process. To receive a free quote, contact us via email, online or by phone. Once you’re satisfied with the quote, we can schedule a site visit on a suitable date to conduct the tree survey and help remove any obstacles preventing the local authority from granting planning permission.