Need the survey itself, not just the price? Indigo Surveys carries out tree surveys across the UK, including BS5837 tree surveys for planning and mortgage tree reports. Most surveys start from £200 and we will compare any quote you already hold.
With potential fines for breaching Tree Preservation Orders, plus a requirement to ensure the health and safety of the public and those potentially working on a site, a tree survey keeps landowners on the right side of the law. In addition, a study conducted by Tree and Design Action Group found that the presence and confirmation of healthy trees on a site can increase property value by up to 9%. Getting your tree survey is vital for the success of any development plan.
But how much do professional tree surveys cost? In this article, we’ll break down the expected cost plus what you can expect when you engage the services of a professional tree survey company.
Tree survey costs by type
The following breaks down some of the typical costs you might expect depending on the type of tree survey:
| Survey Type | Average | Range |
| Initial tree survey | £250 | £150 – £350 |
| Arboricultural survey | £600 | £350 – £950 |
| Health and safety tree survey | £500 | £300 – £800 |
| Mortgage tree survey | £300 | £250 – £450 |
| Planning-related tree survey | £75 | £50 – £100 |
| Decay detection and diagnostics tree survey | £500 | £400 – £600 |
| Topographical tree survey | £700 | £500 – £900 |
What affects the cost of a tree survey?
- Number of trees – The amount of trees within the area will determine the time and resources used. Bulk pricing applies to larger projects.
- Tree structure – The overall physiological and structural condition of the tree will determine how resource-heavy the survey is, as well as how required administrative work is when working with protected trees.
- Site conditions – Remote or areas with complicated landscapes for a site visit (slopes, rivers, dense vegetation etc) may require additional time, resources or skill levels.
- Location – Each region may have differing operation expenses or demands in the market.
- Experience – the surveyor’s level of experience and qualification will also have a bearing on the price.
Arboricultural survey and report costs
An arboricultural survey costs £600 on average in the UK, with most falling between £350 and £950. The word covers more than one document, though, and the price depends on which one your planning authority has actually asked for. These are the terms you will see used, and what each one is.
An arboricultural survey, sometimes called a tree survey or a BS5837 survey, is the site assessment itself: every tree recorded, measured and graded against BS5837:2012. This is the one most planning applications need.
An arboricultural report, arborist report or arboriculturalist report all normally mean the written output of that survey. They are the same document under three names, and the price is the survey price rather than an extra cost on top.
An arboricultural impact assessment goes further. It sets out what your proposed development does to the trees on site, and a council will usually ask for one where construction falls inside a root protection area.
An arboricultural method statement is a separate document again, specifying how the work will be carried out to protect the trees that are staying. It is normally asked for alongside an impact assessment rather than instead of it.
If you are not sure which one your local authority wants, send us the planning condition or the validation checklist and we will tell you. Call 0333 123 7080 or get a free quote and we will confirm the scope and the price before any site visit.
What are the different types of tree surveys?
Tree surveys fall into several types, each priced differently: BS5837 surveys for planning, tree condition and safety surveys, mortgage tree reports, and arboricultural impact assessments. Full detail on what each one covers and when it is required is on our tree surveys page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tree survey required as a legal requirement?
No, not always. A tree survey is usually required in the following situations:
- Development near protected status – If you’re planning on doing any type near TPO trees (tree preservation order protected trees) from pruning to tree felling, then you need a survey or else violate the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, resulting in fines of up to £20,000 per offence.
- Trees in a conservation area – Trees within a conservation area are protected by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Any work beyond minimal alterations (such as unauthorised pruning) will require a survey.
- New development projects – Councils will require a tree survey for application planning purposes, and failure to do so is likely to result in your permission being delayed if not outright denied. Without permission, you cannot proceed with development under threat of fines and other legal proceedings.
- Health and safety – Landowners have a duty of care over trees under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, with full liabilities for injuries and property damage caused by falling trees or branches.
- Forestry operations – If you plan to fall more than 5 cubic metres of timber in a calendar quarter, then a felling license is required. A tree survey, or adjacent proof, is required to get this license.
Does a house survey check trees on the property?
House surveys do not include tree checks to the same level and authority as professional tree surveys. A house survey will provide an initial assessment of trees, and may highlight potential risks that are immediately obvious, such as potential root and branch damage or Tree Preservation Orders, but only if it’s in direct relation to the property in question.
If a house survey identifies a significant risk, a separate specialist tree report may be recommended and this will go into more detail regarding tree health, species identification and management.
What does tree removal cost if the survey says a tree must come down?
Tree removal may be required, often for safety reasons, as a result of a tree survey. When authorised, you could be looking at the following typical tree removal costs:
- Small Trees (up to 25 feet): Approximately £240 to £340.
- Medium Trees (25 to 50 feet): Around £410 to £960.
- Large Trees (over 50 feet): Between £1,190 and £2,450
Bulk deals may apply if the number of trees exceeds certain thresholds. Additional services for tree removal may involve stump grinding or stump removal, which typically can cost between £160 and £710.
Indigo Surveys are expert surveyors with an extensive network of clients, from local councils to private landowners. Contact us for a tree survey consultation today!