Tree Surveys in Devon: Devon’s Arboricultural Experts

Current Tree Populations

The county of Devon boasts a diverse landscape with significant tree cover, encompassing ancient woodlands, hedgerows and parklands. Despite not having a specific county-wide target for increasing tree cover to a precise percentage like Gloucestershire’s 20% by 2030 target, there’s a strong emphasis on retaining and enhancing its existing tree population.

Various initiatives and strategies promote sustainable woodland management, tree planting and the protection of veteran trees. Challenges exist in maintaining and improving Devon’s tree cover, and ash dieback is another significant concern, impacting ash trees across the county. The disease necessitates ongoing efforts to manage affected trees, plant diverse species, and promote woodland resilience. Organisations like the Devon Wildlife Trust, the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission are actively involved in these efforts.

From maintaining Devon’s overall tree population to mitigating the loss of individual trees due to diseases or development, managing proposed developments near woodlands or protected trees can be complex. A primary concern is the potential impact of development on existing trees. Planning applications are carefully scrutinised, and increasing environmental awareness puts pressure on planners to make informed decisions.

Trees play a crucial role in environmental strategies, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Unnecessary tree removal is discouraged, especially as many local authorities in Devon have declared climate emergencies and are working towards carbon reduction targets. Development continues, but it must be balanced with environmental considerations. Arranging a tree survey whenever trees are present on a development site is essential to provide peace of mind and ensure a smooth planning process.

Tree Protections Enforced by the Local Authorities

The primary purpose of a tree survey is to produce a comprehensive tree report, providing local planning officers with the tree management information needed to address any concerns and facilitate planning permission. Local planning officers must adhere to strict standards to protect, preserve and enhance the natural environment, often using conservation areas and Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

Trees and wooded areas can be found in various locations, including areas protected by TPOs or within conservation areas. A TPO typically protects specific trees whereas a conservation area protects multiple trees within a designated area. It isn’t always easy to determine if existing trees are protected, making it crucial when we provide advice to help developers, tree owners and anyone else who needs assistance.

Inspections of Development Site Trees

A BS5837 tree survey is the standard assessment used to evaluate trees on a development site, providing essential information to the local planning authority for a successful planning application. An arboricultural consultant visits the site to assess the condition and value of all trees, assigning each a category. The categorisation indicates the tree’s current status and determines the appropriate action: retention, relocation or removal.

The goal of BS5837 tree surveys is to retain as many trees as possible. If retention is impossible, valuable and/or healthy trees obstructing development plans may be relocated. Trees that are dead, dying or pose a tree safety risk are usually recommended for removal and replacement with similar species to mitigate ecological loss. Such actions are a last resort but will appease a tree inspector from the local council.

Following the survey, the arboriculturist prepares a tree report with key information, including canopy cover and root protection areas. The report also includes tree care recommendations, details of any further required surveys such as an arboricultural method statement (AMS) or arboricultural impact assessment (AIA), and other recommended practices to support planning applications.

Refer to Our Skilled Tree Consultancy

If you have concerns about TPOs, conservation areas, tree ownership or tree health and safety or require tree care advice on your development site in Devon, Arbtech can assist. Our team has extensive knowledge of the planning system and provides expert arboricultural advice, as well as being able to offer other help with tree-based issues, such as via a VALID quantified tree risk assessment.

We offer assessments throughout the UK, including Devon. Contact us by phone, email, our online quote form or our contact page for a free quote. Our team can then arrange a BS5837 tree survey or any other necessary surveys and help you obtain planning permission while protecting Devon’s valuable trees. That way, your development can continue and the local authorities can receive everything they need.