Tree Preservation

The UK construction industry plays a critical role in urban development, but it also has a responsibility to protect and preserve the environment, particularly when it comes to trees. Trees provide numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits, from improving air quality to enhancing the aesthetic value of an area. In construction projects, protecting existing trees and ensuring their long-term preservation is essential for sustainable development. This blog post will explore the principles, legal requirements, and best practices for tree preservation and protection in the UK construction industry.

Principles of Tree Preservation and Protection

Environmental Stewardship

A core principle of tree preservation is environmental stewardship. Construction projects should seek to balance development needs with the protection of natural resources. Trees play a vital role in the ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife, sequestering carbon, and improving local air and water quality. Protecting trees during construction helps to maintain these environmental benefits and contributes to the overall sustainability of the project.

Minimizing Harm to Existing Trees

Another key principle is minimizing harm to existing trees. Construction activities such as excavation, machinery movement, and changes in soil levels can damage trees, particularly their roots and structural integrity. The goal of tree protection is to minimize these impacts and ensure that trees can continue to thrive during and after construction.

Biodiversity Conservation

Preserving trees also supports biodiversity conservation. Trees provide habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife, contributing to the ecological richness of an area. By protecting trees, construction projects can help maintain local biodiversity and reduce the ecological footprint of development.

Compliance with Planning Policy

In the UK, planning policy places a strong emphasis on the protection of trees, especially those with preservation orders. The principles of tree protection should align with local and national planning policies that aim to preserve trees in urban and rural environments. Complying with these policies is not only a legal requirement but also a sign of responsible construction practices.

Long-Term Planning for Tree Health

Tree protection during construction is not just about safeguarding trees in the short term. Effective tree preservation requires long-term planning to ensure that trees continue to thrive well after the construction project is completed. This may include ongoing monitoring, care, and maintenance.

Legal Requirements for Tree Protection in the UK

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

One of the primary legal tools for protecting trees in the UK is the Tree Preservation Order (TPO). A TPO is a legal order made by local authorities to protect specific trees or woodlands that are considered to have high amenity value. Once a TPO is in place, it is illegal to cut down, uproot, or damage the tree without permission from the local authority. In the context of construction, developers must ensure that they do not interfere with trees subject to TPOs without obtaining the necessary permissions.

If a tree is protected by a TPO, anyone wishing to carry out work on the tree, including pruning or removal, must apply to the local council for consent. Failure to comply with a TPO can result in significant fines and legal action.

Conservation Areas

Trees in Conservation Areas also receive legal protection. If a tree is located within a conservation area, and its diameter exceeds 75mm at 1.5 metres above the ground, permission must be obtained from the local authority before any work is carried out on the tree. This applies even if the tree is not subject to a specific TPO. The local authority has six weeks to assess the proposed work and either grant permission or make a TPO to protect the tree.

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990

The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 outlines the general framework for planning and development in the UK. This Act gives local authorities the power to include conditions related to tree protection when granting planning permission. Developers may be required to submit tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments, and tree protection plans as part of their planning applications.

British Standard 5837:2012 – Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition, and Construction

The British Standard 5837:2012 provides guidelines for managing trees during construction projects. It sets out the requirements for assessing the impact of construction on trees and outlines best practices for tree protection. Developers and contractors must follow this standard when planning and carrying out construction activities near trees.

Key elements of BS 5837:2012 include:

• The need for a tree survey conducted by a qualified arborist.
• The creation of a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) that identifies trees to be retained, their root protection areas (RPAs), and construction exclusion zones.
• The implementation of appropriate tree protection measures, such as fencing and ground protection, to prevent damage to trees during construction.

Best Practices for Tree Preservation and Protection

Pre-Construction Planning

1. Tree Surveys and Arboricultural Impact Assessments: Before any construction work begins, a thorough tree survey should be conducted by a qualified arborist. The survey will identify the species, size, and health of all trees on or near the construction site. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) should then be prepared to assess the potential impact of the proposed development on the trees. The AIA will help inform decisions about which trees can be retained and what protective measures are needed.
2. Tree Constraints Plan (TCP): Based on the tree survey and AIA, a Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) should be developed. The TCP will identify trees that need to be protected and establish the Root Protection Areas (RPAs). RPAs define the minimum area around a tree that must be safeguarded to protect its roots from damage. The TCP also designates construction exclusion zones, which prevent heavy machinery, excavation, and storage of materials near trees.
3. Construction Planning: Incorporate tree protection into the overall construction planning process. This includes designing the site layout to minimize the impact on trees, such as locating buildings and infrastructure away from important tree root zones and canopy areas. Additionally, establish access routes for vehicles and equipment that avoid damage to trees.

Tree Protection Measures During Construction

1. Tree Protection Fencing: One of the most effective ways to protect trees during construction is to install tree protection fencing around the Root Protection Areas (RPAs). The fencing should be sturdy and positioned in accordance with BS 5837:2012 guidelines. It is crucial that the fencing is erected before any site work begins and remains in place for the duration of the project.
2. Ground Protection: In cases where access is needed within the RPA, ground protection measures should be put in place to prevent soil compaction and root damage. Ground protection can include temporary surfaces like steel plates or heavy-duty geotextiles that distribute weight and reduce pressure on the soil.
3. Avoiding Soil Compaction: Construction activities such as vehicle movement and material storage can lead to soil compaction, which severely impacts tree health by restricting oxygen and water availability to the roots. To avoid this, storage of materials, parking, and vehicle movement should be restricted to designated areas away from trees.
4. No-Dig Construction Techniques: If construction needs to take place within the RPA, consider using no-dig construction techniques. These methods, such as using raised surfaces or pile foundations, minimize disruption to the tree’s root system.

Post-Construction Care and Monitoring

1. Post-Construction Tree Health Monitoring: After the construction project is complete, it’s important to monitor the health of retained trees. Regular inspections by a qualified arborist should be carried out to assess any signs of stress or damage. Monitoring should continue for several years, as trees may take time to show signs of damage caused by construction.
2. Tree Maintenance and Aftercare: Provide ongoing care for trees that have been impacted by construction. This might include pruning to remove damaged branches, mulching to improve soil conditions, and watering during dry periods. Trees that have undergone stress during construction may require more intensive care to recover.
3. Soil Remediation: If construction activities have caused soil compaction or contamination, soil remediation measures may be necessary. This can include aerating the soil to improve root access to air and water or adding organic matter to enhance soil fertility.

Sustainable Development and Tree Preservation

1. Tree Planting and Replacement: In cases where trees must be removed for construction, developers should consider replacing them with new trees. Planting new trees can offset the loss of mature trees and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the site. Native species should be prioritized for replanting, as they support local wildlife and are better suited to the UK climate.
2. Incorporating Trees into the Site Design: Rather than seeing trees as obstacles, developers should consider how they can be integrated into the design of the site. Trees can provide natural shade, improve the aesthetic appeal of a development, and enhance property values. By incorporating existing trees into the site layout, construction projects can create greener, more attractive spaces.
3. Biodiversity Enhancement: Tree preservation efforts should be part of a broader strategy to enhance biodiversity on construction sites. This can include creating wildlife corridors, planting diverse vegetation, and implementing sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) that benefit both trees and local ecosystems.

Engaging Stakeholders

1. Community Involvement: Engage with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of tree preservation and protection. Involving the community in tree-planting activities or educational events can foster a sense of ownership and pride in the preservation of local trees.
2. Collaboration with Local Authorities: Work closely with local authorities and environmental consultants to ensure that tree protection measures comply with planning conditions and legal requirements. Regular communication with stakeholders can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure the successful preservation of trees.
3. Educating the Workforce: Provide training for construction workers and site managers on the importance of tree protection and the specific measures in place on-site. A well-informed workforce is more likely to respect tree protection zones and follow best practices.

Conclusion

Tree preservation and protection are essential components of responsible and sustainable construction in the UK. By following the principles of environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and legal compliance, developers and contractors can minimize the impact of construction on trees and ensure their long-term health.

Compliance with Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), Conservation Area regulations, and BS 5837:2012 guidelines is not only a legal requirement but also a key part of protecting valuable environmental resources. Implementing best practices, such as pre-construction tree surveys, tree protection fencing, and post-construction monitoring, helps safeguard trees from the negative effects of construction.

By incorporating trees into site designs, enhancing biodiversity, and engaging with stakeholders, the UK construction industry can play a vital role in promoting green, sustainable development. In doing so, construction projects can protect the natural environment while also delivering economic and social benefits.