Within new development sites, existing trees, hedgerows and mature shrubs give valuable maturity and impact to planting.

Where these are to be retained and incorporated within the site, careful planning and management will be required in order to minimise disturbance, particularly to root systems.  Where trees and hedgerows are protected under legislation, the council will require information as to how these will be protected during works on site.

A plan will be required, indicating with accuracy the trees position, its canopy spread and the proposed position of protective fencing. In broad terms the minimum area protective fencing should encompass will be the extent of the trees canopy or half its height, whichever is the greater.

The trees ability to withstand disturbance depends on a number of different factors including the age and species involved, therefore the advice of a qualified arboriculturalist should be sought at or before the site planning stage. Protective fencing must be erected in advance of any materials and machinery being brought onto site and before any demolition takes place.

As a minimum, it should consist of a 1.2m high vertical and horizontal framework of scaffolding, well braced to resist impacts, supporting chestnut pale or chain link fencing, within which no storage, excavation or trafficking should take place.

Further advice can be obtained from the Arboricultural Association (opens in a new window) (telephone 01794 368717), who maintain a directory of registered consultants and approved contractors and produce a useful leaflet titled ´Protection of Trees on Development Sites´

Further information is also contained in the British Standard guide BS 5837, ´Trees in Relation to Construction´.