Tree Work During Building and Development Projects: What You Need to Know
Trees can be an important consideration when carrying out building work, extensions, landscaping projects or larger developments.
Whether you're building a new home, extending an existing property, developing a commercial site or carrying out groundwork, trees can have a significant impact on the planning and construction process.
For property owners, developers and contractors across Torbay, Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and the South Hams, getting the right tree advice early can help prevent delays and ensure trees are managed appropriately throughout a project.
At Clear View Tree and Hedge Services Ltd, we provide professional tree surgery and tree management services for building and development projects across the local area.
Why do trees need to be considered before building work?
Trees don't necessarily need to be removed simply because building work is taking place nearby.
However, construction activity can have an impact on trees, particularly their roots and surrounding soil.
Excavation, foundations, changes to ground levels, machinery, storage of materials and vehicle movements can all potentially affect trees if they are not properly considered during the planning process.
Identifying trees early allows appropriate measures to be put in place before construction begins.
This may include:
Tree pruning
Deadwood removal
Crown reduction or other appropriate pruning
Tree removal where necessary
Protection of retained trees
Advice around root protection areas
Careful planning of access for construction equipment
Coordination between the tree surgeon and other contractors
Tree work and planning applications
If you are planning a development, it is important to establish whether trees on or near the site are protected.
Trees may be subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or may be located within a Conservation Area.
Protected trees can require permission before certain work is undertaken, and unauthorised work can result in enforcement action.
Where trees are likely to be affected by a proposed development, an arboricultural assessment or other specialist tree information may also be required as part of the planning process.
Getting professional advice at an early stage can help identify potential issues before they become a problem further down the line.
Tree removal as part of a development
Sometimes tree removal may be necessary to allow a development to proceed.
This could be because a tree is located directly within the footprint of a proposed building, conflicts with planned infrastructure or access, or is unsuitable for retention due to its condition.
However, tree removal should not automatically be the first option.
A professional assessment can establish whether a tree could instead be retained through appropriate design changes or pruning.
At Clear View Tree and Hedge Services Ltd, we can assess trees and discuss the practical options available to help you understand what tree work may be required as part of your project.
Protecting trees during construction
Where trees are being retained, protecting them throughout the construction process is extremely important.
A tree can appear unaffected above ground while its root system is being damaged below ground.
Heavy machinery, soil compaction, excavation and the storage of materials close to a tree can all potentially damage its root system.
Good site management can help reduce these risks.
Tree protection measures may need to be considered before machinery arrives on site, rather than once construction work has already started.
This is why it is beneficial to involve an experienced tree professional during the early stages of a development.
Working alongside builders and contractors
Tree surgery during a construction project often needs to be carefully coordinated with other trades. Access for equipment needs to be considered, as does the timing of tree work alongside groundwork, demolition, excavation and construction.
At Clear View Tree and Hedge Services Ltd, we understand that construction projects often operate to tight schedules.
We can work with homeowners, developers, builders, landscapers and other contractors to plan tree work around the wider project wherever possible.
Our team can also advise on practical considerations such as access, working space and the removal of arisings from site.
Tree work for extensions and smaller building projects
Tree and development issues aren't limited to large construction sites.
Home extensions, garages, driveways, outbuildings, garden rooms and landscaping projects can all potentially affect nearby trees.
If you are planning an extension to your property in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham or elsewhere across Torbay or the South Hams, it is worth considering nearby trees before work begins.
Getting advice early can help you understand whether pruning, removal or tree protection measures may be necessary.
Planning ahead can save time and money
One of the biggest advantages of considering tree work at the beginning of a building project is the opportunity to identify potential issues early.
Discovering that a tree is protected, that additional tree information is required for planning, or that a retained tree needs protection after construction has already started can cause unnecessary delays.
By considering trees alongside the rest of your development plans, you can build the necessary tree work and protection measures into the project from the outset.
Professional tree surgery for development projects
Whether you're planning a small residential extension or working on a larger development, trees should be considered as part of the overall project planning process.
Clear View Tree and Hedge Services Ltd provides professional tree surgery and tree management services across Torbay, Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and the South Hams.
We work with homeowners, developers, builders, contractors and landowners to provide practical tree care and advice where trees are affected by construction or development.
If you're planning a building or development project and there are trees on or around the site, contact Clear View Tree and Hedge Services Ltd early in the process.
Professional tree surgery and tree management for building and development projects across Torbay, Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and the South Hams.
