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Could trees on your site delay or even derail your planning application?
Get a quote
Get in touch with our Gristwood & Toms team
Request a quote from our certified arborists and ensure your site remains safe, compliant, and well cared for.
Prevent delays, refusals and costly redesigns
Planning and development projects often present complex challenges when trees are involved. Without a professionally prepared BS5837:2012 tree survey and supporting documents, planning applications may face delays, conditions, or refusals.
Whether you’re developing a single plot or a large commercial site, understanding how existing trees interact with your proposal is essential for moving forward compliantly and efficiently.
Gristwood & Toms provides a full suite of planning-related tree consultancy services for developers, architects, planners and landowners. We’ll support you with clear, expert guidance at every stage, helping you meet regulatory requirements, protect retained trees, and move your project forward.
Feasibility assessments
Our experienced tree surveyors offer insight into the opportunities and constraints presented by trees on site – helping you make informed decisions before submitting planning applications.
Tree constraint plan
Gristwood & Toms will assess the location, quality and root protection areas of all trees on or adjacent to your site. This drawing is vital for design teams, helping to shape layouts that respect tree retention and comply with BS5837:2012 standards.
Arboricultural impact assessment (AIA)
Our arboricultural consultants will evaluate impact of your proposed development on trees on or adjacent to the site. AIA includes expert guidance to mitigate risk, ensuring trees and structures can safely coexist.
Tree protection plan
Tree protection plan provides a detailed layout of protective measures to be installed before and during construction. This includes fencing, ground protection, and access restrictions to keep retained trees safe.
Arboricultural method statement (AMS)
Our AMS outlines exactly how works should be carried out near trees, including construction methods, protective installations, and timing.
Arboricultural clerk of works (ACoW)
Acting as your Arboricultural Clerk of Works, we oversee all tree-related activity during construction. Our role includes monitoring compliance, providing practical advice, and ensuring tree protection measures are followed throughout the build.
Trusted by developers, architects & planning consultants
For over 50 years, we’ve helped clients across the UK navigate the challenges of planning and development with confidence.
Our expert tree consultants and surveyors are trusted by local authorities, planners, and developers to deliver precise, compliant tree reports and practical guidance that keeps projects moving.
Award winning and knowledgeable
Experienced in all aspects of tree health, our arboricultural experts survey over 200,000 trees annually
UK wide coverage, local expertise
Our nationwide team of tree surveyors offers expert, tailored services to maintain your site’s security and compliance
Leading tree management technology
We are recognised as the UK’s largest user of the Ezytreev Tree & Asset Management system showcasing expertise in tree management technology
Project-aligned advice
Gristwood & Toms works alongside your architects, planners, and contractors to integrate tree care into your broader vision
Health & safety compliance
With both CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) and SafeContractor accreditations, we conform to the highest levels of health and safety compliance
ARB approved contractor status
As an Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractor we demonstrate industry-leading standards in arboriculture
“I would like to commend Gristwood and Toms for their outstanding service in maintaining Enfield’s tree stock to the highest standards. Their professionalism, expertise, and reliability have been evident in all aspects of their work, from cyclical pruning and emergency callouts to tree planting and felling.”
Andy Robinson, Principal Arboricultural Officer, Enfield Borough Council
“Working with Gristwood and Toms has been a straightforward and efficient process. Their expert approach to arboricultural services ensures the safety of our highways. Clear communication and timely execution of projects, make them an asset to our operations. ”
Paul, Contract Manager, Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd.
Delivering expert arboriculture and tree care services you can rely on.
Get in touch
Effortless
Contact our expert team of arborists
Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your project scope and planning requirements, and we will guide you through the next steps.
Receive a site visit
We’ll assess all relevant trees, review plans, and provide a detailed quote for survey work and reporting
Receive a report
Once your survey is complete, we will write your report and send it over to you.
Planning applications involving trees require specialist knowledge and detailed reporting. At Gristwood & Toms, our experienced tree consultants simplify the process, helping you submit with confidence and build responsibly.
From BS5837:2012 tree surveys to arboricultural impact assessments and arboricultural method statements, we deliver everything you need to meet planning conditions and protect your project. With trusted advice, national reach and a collaborative approach, we help you turn complex tree constraints into clear, manageable outcomes.
