Managing trees around buildings and shared spaces
Trees in gardens, communal grounds and other urban sites may stand close to homes, footpaths, parking areas and neighbouring properties. An assessment needs to consider both the tree’s condition and how its surroundings are used.
Our tree condition and safety surveys provide practical recommendations for individual trees and larger sites. Inspections can also form part of a planned programme for properties under your management.
Where an inspection identifies a question about internal decay, decay investigation and Resistograph testing may help. Further testing is recommended where it can provide useful information.
Extensions and development near trees
For projects on restricted sites, trees can influence more than the position of the finished building. Construction access, excavation, drainage routes and space for storing materials may also need consideration.
Trees outside the property boundary can be relevant where their roots or canopies could be affected. Send drawings showing neighbouring trees where available, even if there are no trees within the application site itself.
Our BS5837 surveys and planning reports help identify these constraints and assess the proposals. The agreed scope may include an Arboricultural Impact Assessment, Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan.
Check the requirements for your application
Use the requirements published by the planning authority responsible for the site, together with any advice or requests already received.
For example, Camden publishes a local application checklist covering supporting documents, including tree surveys and arboricultural statements. Its requirements should not be treated as a checklist for every London project.
View Camden’s local planning application requirements
Forward any relevant correspondence with your drawings so we can review the tree-related information needed.
Buying or remortgaging a property
If a lender or surveyor has requested a tree report, send the exact wording of the request and the property address.
Our mortgage tree report service provides a focused inspection and report addressing the relevant tree-related questions. Tell us your purchase or mortgage deadline when enquiring.
Arranging access for an inspection
Access to rear gardens, communal grounds or neighbouring land may need arranging in advance. Tell us who can provide access and whether any areas are restricted.
For managed properties, a site plan identifying the trees and areas included is helpful. We will explain any inspection limitations where parts of a tree or site cannot be accessed or viewed.
You can enquire from anywhere in London, including for property you own or manage elsewhere. We also consider projects in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and other areas.
Experience behind the advice
Our advice draws on over 10 years in arboriculture, including local authority tree officer experience involving trees on highways, housing land, parks and open spaces.
Jones Arboriculture provides independent consultancy. Reports explain the findings, practical recommendations and any limitations in clear language.
We provide professional advice rather than tree surgery.
Request a quote
Email or WhatsApp the site address, reason for the report and any deadline. Include photographs, previous reports and relevant planning or lender correspondence where available.
For development projects, send the existing and proposed drawings. For tree inspections, an approximate tree count and details of access will help us quote.
We will confirm the scope, fee and survey and reporting dates before you book.