Tree Protection Plans
After a development has obtained planning approval, the local council will need to know how trees on the site will be safeguarded throughout the proposed works.
A tree protection plan (TPP) adds more information after the survey stage, identifying necessary tree protection measures such as tree protection fencing and temporary ground protection, as well as effective guidance for contractors to follow.
Based on a clear tree protection plan, local planning authorities can dismiss any concerns around trees, removing the planning project’s likelihood of suffering delays, fines or enforcement action.
What is a Tree Protection Plan?
A tree protection plan (TPP) is a set of instructions and accurate drawings designed to protect trees across the duration of a development project.
After a plan has been put together, it will inform everyone involved in the development of how exactly to comply with specific conditions relating to trees and help to protect valuable arboricultural features.
Plans work alongside a tree survey to set out how sensitive areas need to be assessed, where protective barriers need to go, and what contractors need to avoid.
More specifically, a TPP will show the details of trees recommended to be retained across the site, root protection areas (RPAs) in relation to the proposed site layout, areas of temporary ground protection where vehicles cross RPAs, positions of tree protection fencing, and site-specific method statements for sensitive operations.
Benefits of a TPP
- Links to Other Documents, Such as Arboricultural Impact Assessments and Arboricultural Method Statements
- Meets the Requirements of the Local Planning Authority
- Provides Easy Interpretation to Guide Contractors
- Reduces Risk of Accidental Breaches of Law that Could Harm Your Planning Application
- Safeguards Trees that Contribute to Landscape Value
Implementation of Tree Protection Plans
The TPP comes into play as soon as work on the development site begins, translating planning policy into practical action.
A plan will be implemented in the planning project through such things as carrying out site visits to monitor compliance, following site-specific method statements during excavation or service installation, installing tree protection fencing before construction starts, and laying temporary ground protection where access is unavoidable.
Process for Creating a Plan
- Tree Survey – collecting details of condition, size and species
- Data Overlay – plotting protection measures directly onto the site plan
- Assessment – checking the root protection areas against the proposed site layout
- Protective Measures – specifying necessary tree protection measures
- Written Notes – ensuring the plan is supported by an arboricultural method statement
- Delivery – completed a PDF and CAD drawing for submission to the local council
Necessary Tools and Equipment
- Clinometer or Laser Hypsometer
- Compass
- Diameter Tape (DBH tape)
- GPS or Total Station
- Ground Protection Borders
- Ground Protection Detail Templates
- Laser Rangefinder
- Protective Fencing Markers
- Tree Protection Fencing
- Signage
- Site-Specific Method Statements
- Site Visit Checklists
Speak to Tree Protection Plan Experts
A tree protection plan turns BS5837 tree survey data into actionable next steps for contractors to follow.
Once the design for the development has been agreed, our arboricultural consultants will step in to safeguard trees throughout construction, whether it involves fencing lines, ground protection or guidance to professionals on the site.
The team at Arbtech has created TPPs for developers all over the UK, clarifying that all of the drawings have been accurately and precisely plotted directly onto the development plan.
In addition to tree protection plans, we offer a wide range of different arboricultural services, such as arboricultural method statements, arboricultural impact assessments, BS5837 tree surveys and, if necessary, a tree constraints plan (TCP).
A TCP shows the crossover between the development plans and existing trees. Whenever trees are on a site, it is likely that both a tree protection plan and a tree constraints plan will be to support planning applications.
Tree Protection Plan Cost
All of our tree services are estimated in the same way, starting with a universal cost before only adding onto it based on the number of trees involved, the size of the development site, and the predicted scale of the planning project.
It is likely for smaller sites to be more straightforward, and it is likely for larger sites to be more complicated. And we reflect this in the pricing structure of our cost for creating a tree protection plan.
By speaking to our team directly, you can come away with a free quote for a TPP on your site that is accurate and relevant, enabling you to work the cost into your budget.
Tree Protection Plan Consultants
Every tree protection plan we put together is prepared by arboricultural consultants who understand both planning policy and the overlap with trees.
Our team knows how to balance the needs of the build with the requirements from the local council to protect trees effectively.
As a result of years of collective experience across our arboriculture team, our work is recognised by planning officers, useful to developers, and helpful in supporting projects.
Get a Tree Protection Plan for Construction, Design or Demolition Work
It could be that your development work involves construction, excavation or even simply allowing for vehicles to access the site near to trees.
Whatever the circumstances, one of our arboriculturists can help. Using a clear tree protection plan, you can reassure the local planning authority that appropriate safeguards are in place and give your contractors a suitable methodology to follow.
If you want a free quote to look over before agreeing to work with us, you can email us, call us or fill out a contact form online. From there, you will know how much it will cost for a TPP on your site and our upcoming availability for getting started.
