What Is a Tree Survey? A Guide for Homeowners & Developers

Whether you're buying a new home, planning a construction project, or simply managing land with mature trees, understanding the role of a tree survey is essential. At Browns Tree Solutions, we provide professional tree surveys across Milton Keynes to help our clients stay compliant, make informed decisions, and protect the natural landscape.

So, what is a tree survey—and why might you need one?

A tree survey is a detailed inspection and report on the condition, species, location, and dimensions of trees within a specified area. It is typically carried out by a qualified arborist or tree consultant and is often a required document for:

• Planning applications
• Mortgage approvals
• Health and safety assessments
• Construction and development planning

Each tree is assessed and recorded, often with tagging and mapping, along with recommendations for management, protection, or removal.

If you're planning to build near trees, your local planning authority is likely to require a tree survey that complies with BS5837:2012 – Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.

These surveys:

• Identify trees to be retained, pruned, or removed
• Assess how trees may impact foundations or underground services
• Help developers design sites around existing high-value trees
• Recommend protection measures such as tree protection fencing

When is this survey required?
Before submitting a planning application for construction, especially if there are Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or you're working in a Conservation Area.

If you're buying or selling a property and there's a tree close to the home or boundary, your mortgage lender or surveyor may request a mortgage tree report.

These surveys assess:

• Tree health and structural integrity
• Proximity to buildings, drains, and foundations
• Risk of subsidence or root damage

This type of report helps ensure that the trees won’t pose a long-term liability or cause future structural issues.

When is this survey required?
During a mortgage valuation or homebuyer’s survey—especially if trees are close to buildings or if Japanese knotweed or invasive roots are suspected.

For schools, councils, landlords, or landowners with public access areas, regular tree safety surveys are a legal and moral responsibility.

These focus on:

• Identifying hazardous or unstable trees
• Risk of falling branches or tree failure
• Required maintenance to prevent injury or damage

When is this survey required?
Routinely for public land or following severe weather events, tree-related complaints, or insurance requests.

Tree surveys are vital for:

• Property developers needing to submit planning applications
• Homeowners buying or selling property near mature trees
• Local councils and housing associations managing tree stock
• Commercial landowners maintaining compliance and safety

We provide fast, fully compliant, and affordable tree surveys across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, working closely with planners, architects, and homeowners alike.

✔ BS5837-compliant reports
✔ Fully qualified arboricultural consultants
✔ Experience with local authority planning processes
✔ Clear, jargon-free recommendations
✔ Quick turnaround for urgent projects