A BS5837 tree survey in South London starts from approximately £295 for a straightforward residential site with a small number of trees — with fees increasing based on the number of trees, the site complexity, and whether an Arboricultural Impact Assessment is required alongside the survey. Tree Surgeons in South London provides professional tree surveys and arboricultural consultancy across Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley, and Lambeth, delivering reports that satisfy planning officers in every South London borough. With over 13 years of experience, our arborists produce clear, detailed reports for homeowners, developers, architects, and local authorities.
Types of tree survey we provide cover every standard arboricultural report — from planning surveys to safety assessments to subsidence investigations. Choosing the wrong type wastes time and money, so we explain exactly which report you need during an initial consultation.
A BS5837 tree survey is required for any planning application on a site where trees are present on or adjacent to the proposed development. Every South London borough — Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley, and Lambeth — requires BS5837 compliance for development proposals that could affect trees. The survey records every relevant tree: species, size, condition, structural integrity, remaining life expectancy, and root protection area. Each tree is categorised from A (high quality, major constraint on development) to U (unsuitable for retention regardless of development). The report includes a Tree Constraints Plan showing root protection areas overlaid on the site plan.
Where the development proposal is known, we also produce an Arboricultural Impact Assessment detailing how the proposed works will affect each tree and recommending protective measures during construction. This is often submitted alongside the BS5837 survey as part of a single planning package. We produce BS5837 surveys that planning officers accept. We know what each South London borough expects in terms of format, detail, and supporting plans — which reduces the risk of your application being sent back for additional information and avoids costly delays.
A tree safety condition report assesses individual trees or groups of trees for structural defects, disease, decay, and failure risk. Property managers, landlords, schools, councils, housing associations, and insurance companies request these reports to demonstrate that trees on a site have been professionally inspected and any risks identified.
We assess each tree’s condition, identify defects or hazards, assign a risk rating, and provide clear recommendations for remedial work. Our reports are accepted by insurers and can be used to demonstrate compliance with a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
Buying a property with large or mature trees in South London carries specific risks that a standard building survey does not cover. A pre-purchase tree assessment tells you what you are inheriting — the condition of every significant tree, immediate maintenance needs, potential subsidence risks, and whether any trees are protected by TPOs or fall within a conservation area.
South London’s shrinkable London Clay makes subsidence a genuine concern. Species like willows, oaks, and poplars draw large volumes of moisture from clay soils, causing the ground to shrink and foundations to move. A pre-purchase assessment identifies these risks before you commit to buying.
If a property is experiencing cracking or movement and trees are suspected as a contributing factor, we carry out investigations to determine which trees, if any, are involved. South London‘s clay soils make tree-related subsidence more common here than in most parts of the UK.
Our subsidence reports identify the species, assess root proximity, analyse the soil conditions, and recommend remedial action — whether that is root pruning, crown reduction to decrease the tree’s water demand, or removal. Reports are accepted by insurers, loss adjusters, and structural engineers.
Many trees across Dulwich, Blackheath, Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, and Herne Hill are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. If your tree has a TPO, you need written consent from the local authority before any work — including pruning — can take place.
We advise on what work is likely to be approved, prepare the application with full arboricultural justification, and carry out the permitted works once consent is granted. Our experience with tree officers in each South London borough means fewer rejected applications and faster turnarounds.
Our tree survey process follows four clear stages from initial enquiry to final report delivery.
Tree survey costs in South London depend on the type of report, the number of trees, and the complexity of the site. A BS5837 survey on a small residential site with 3-5 trees starts from approximately £295 for the initial survey. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment adds approximately £200. Larger sites with 20+ trees, multiple constraints, or complex development proposals cost more.
Safety condition reports for individual trees are at the lower end. Subsidence investigations requiring detailed analysis cost more due to the specialist nature of the assessment.
We provide fixed quotes after an initial consultation — no hourly rates, no open-ended billing.
A BS5837 survey on a small residential site starts from approximately £295. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment adds around £200. Larger sites cost more. We provide fixed quotes after an initial consultation.
If there are trees on or adjacent to your development site, almost certainly yes. All South London boroughs require BS5837 tree survey information as part of planning applications that could affect trees. Submitting without one will result in your application being returned.
The site inspection typically takes a few hours depending on the number of trees. The written report is usually delivered within 5-10 working days. We can arrange faster turnarounds for urgent planning deadlines — let us know when you need it.
A tree survey is a formal report — typically for planning, insurance, or legal purposes — that follows specific standards (like BS5837) and produces a written document. A tree inspection is a visual assessment of a tree’s condition, often carried out as part of routine maintenance. Both involve examining trees, but surveys produce formal reports.
Yes. We provide subsidence investigation reports that are accepted by insurers and loss adjusters. We identify which trees are contributing to the problem and recommend appropriate remedial action — root pruning, crown reduction, or removal depending on the severity.
Call us or fill in the contact form to discuss your tree survey requirements. We respond quickly and can usually arrange a site visit within a few days. We serve Lewisham, Greenwich, Southwark, Bromley, Lambeth, Dulwich, Catford, Deptford, Brockley, Camberwell, Peckham, Blackheath, Herne Hill, Eltham, and all surrounding areas.
