Tree Constraints Plan – Charting out of Trees Surrounding the Development Site

The idea of tree constraints plan is based on the fact that any development site may have substantial part of trees around and on it. It requires to have careful tree survey as to know how many trees are there and what is their significance on that particular development site. In its report, environmental consultant needs to consider whether existing trees of good quality and value can greatly enhance new development, such as by providing an immediate appearance of maturity. However, trees can also be a constraints and therefore, in preparing tree constraints plan, one has to be careful as future occupiers may resent the retention of trees of an inappropriate size or species, and no amount of legal protection will ensure their retention and survival. In order to avoid such issues, it is the responsibility of the environmental consultant to have an accurate tree survey of the site and to prepare a detailed tree constraint plan that makes sure that there is a harmony between the development site and the trees surrounding it.

An accurate tree constraints plan also includes an accurate topographical survey which should be taken showing all relevant existing site features. These features may include where trees are present, clearance of vegetation to facilitate the survey process should be undertaken only if strictly necessary and with care using hand held machinery. Mechanized flails may be used in more open areas, although bulldozing or soil stripping should be avoided. The land survey the information of which is included in tree constraints plan should include:

• the location of all trees, shrub masses, hedges etc.
• other relevant features, such as streams, buildings and other structures, boundary features, trenching scars near to trees and services including drainage runs.
• spot heights of ground level throughout the site, as a basis for avoiding changes in soil level around retained trees.
• the approximate location of trees on land adjacent to the development site, that might influence the site or might be important as part of the local landscape character.

Tree Constraints Plan is Part of Arboriculture

Tree constraints plan as the name suggests are the plans that are designed and developed to protect the potential residential and commercial development. This falls into the category of Arboriculture which is the science and practice of growing and maintaining the trees and shrubs in both town and countryside with amenity as the main objective. When there is any development plan is going on, the first step that environmental engineers take is to create tree constraints plan because it has its benefits.

The requirement to create the tree constraints plans is that it has to have accurate information gathered during topographical survey and an accurate tree survey. The topographical survey includes information regarding location of all trees, shrubs and hedges and other relevant features such as streams, buildings and spot level heights. Now, in order to carry out tree survey, you need to take the help of environmental engineers as it needs to be carried out in accordance with BS 5837 (2005). Professional ecological consultancy has specialist Arboriculture team which knows what it is to create tree constraints plan as part of powerful and cost-effective Arboriculture solutions.

Following are the benefits of carrying out tree constraints plan:

• With this the redesign plan of the development of the site gets lesser as the trees that can be of trouble are identified before the initial design
• It also reduces the risk of applications that are not registered by development control
• When environmental engineers plan the tree constraints plan, various types of tree issues that may emerge during the application process get eliminated

Apart from these benefits, the information that tree constraints plan should include is:

• Age class
• Category grading
• Stem diameter taken at 1.5m from ground level
• Height
• Physiological condition
• Height of crown clearance above ground
• Structural condition
• Preliminary management requirements
• Tree species
• Estimated safe useful life expectancy
• Branch spread (in four directions North, East, South and West)

Tree Surveys - Restless Humanity’s Efforts to be at ease with itself

A famous philosopher U.G. Krishnamurthy has advised humanity not to worry about saving the Earth but rather saving itself! But, anyways, we, being restless species cannot help doing something when the environment is really at stake! By the way, Japan seems to be the ardent follower of U.G.! Anyways, jokes apart, tree surveys are just a small gesture (not sure whether it is genuine or not) of human concern towards environment. The science of production, maintenance and preservation of trees and shrubs is called Arboriculture. In United Kingdom, the major intention of carrying out such tree surveys is to protect both the trees and the individual land owners. Any professional Arboricultural service provides guidance regarding trees management protected by Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation Area Status. Such guidance is provided irrespective of the fact whether trees are coming in the way of development or not. Other techniques for the management of the trees in both urban and countryside areas include selection of tree, planting, care and subsequent eradication.

According to the section 197 of the Town and Country Planning Act, it is the responsibility of the local authority to make sure that any development meets the criteria of necessary conditions regarding the preservation or plantation of the trees. And, it is also the duty of the local authority to release such orders also called Tree Preservation Orders in case it is necessary while granting the development permission. The order considers it an offense if the trees are cut down, pruned, uprooted, intentionally damaged or destroyed without the written consent of the council. If the trees are near to the proposed development site, their details need to be submitted in accordance with BS5837:2005 “Trees in relation to construction – Recommendations” In the wake of such stringent Government rules, it is important to take the professional help as they are expert in preparing the tree surveys schedules, tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Implications Assessments, Arboricultural Method Statements and Tree Protection Plans. The reason behind carrying out such plans is that no development plan or scheme can be executed if trees come in the way of that specific development. If the design or application stages face trees as constraints, and their details are not submitted to the local council, it is an open invitation to Tree Preservation Orders.

Tree Surveys - Just a Small Step Showing Genuine Concern for Environment

It can be a lament or cynicism by the most wanted entity on the Earth in today’s context. Tree surveys are among many things that the Earth should or can do to stop worsening of the environment on this planet. As the census of human beings has its own value so as the value of tree surveys. The common benefit of any census or tree surveys is to get the correct information about the surveyed. The thing in question here is tree. The world now is more exposed to heat wave, land erosion, and many unprecedented natural disasters most recent being Tsunami in Japan and consequent nuclear danger looming large over the mankind. In such a scenario, it has rather become more imperative to protect the environment in order to maintain ecological balance on the planet.

But, tree surveys is not an individual task, it rather touches to the nations and governments. And therefore it has geo-political connotation to it as well. Governments or semi-government organizations often take the help of ecology consultancy service providers to conduct such surveys. Professional ecologists have experience of conducting surveys of protected species and habitat surveys. Having sound ecological assessments, such ecology consultancy is also associated with planners and landscape architects so as to observe carefully any development projects harming trees or vice versa. Many a times, there are some trees that may be harmful for human habitat. If thorough tree surveys are conducted by professional ecology consultancy, such factors affecting human population too can be dealt with proper understanding and care. Though, environmentalists or ecologists have made a career out of the overtly damaged state of environment, to protect the environment is not just a “specialized” responsibility of a few. It is indeed a collective responsibility of all who are the inhabitants of this Earth!