Conversations

Tape, clinometer, diameter tape, GPS, a printed form template, and a camera. For a BS5837 survey you'll record species, height, stem diameter, age class, and condition for every tree in the survey area.

Three trigger criteria from BS5837 §4.5: (1) condition improves from fair to good — promote to A, (2) defects worsen from minor to major — demote to U, (3) age class shifts (e.g. over-mature) — demote to U.

Five standard sections: (1) site context, (2) tree survey results, (3) proposed development impact assessment, (4) mitigation recommendations, (5) tree protection plan. Optional: arboricultural method statement for construction phase.

Oak, ash, beech, birch, hazel, alder, willow, and hawthorn are the 8 most common. The most common broadleaf is oak.

Categories A, B, C, U. A = highest quality (retain), B = moderate (retain if possible), C = low (can be removed), U = dead/dying (remove for safety). Quality is a 25-40 year projection.

Mature ash with dieback symptoms should be downgraded to U or C with a 10-15 year replacement plan. Add notes about cavity formation, branch dieback, and basal lesions. Younger ash with no visible dieback can stay at B.