EST. 2006
Arboricultural Consultancy in East Sussex | BC Tree Services
Our professional, comprehensive arboricultural consultancy solutions provide expert guidance for property owners, developers, and local authorities looking to manage trees safely, sustainably, and in line with current regulations. Trees are valuable assets, but they also require careful management to protect health, safety, and legal compliance. Our team of experienced arborists offers clear, actionable advice tailored to your specific site and requirements.
We specialise in a range of consultancy services designed to help you make informed decisions and maintain healthy, safe, and compliant trees across East Sussex
Our Arboricultural Consultancy Services
Working with trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or located in Conservation Areas can be complex and requires detailed knowledge of planning regulations. Our consultancy team provides expert advice on applying for permission to carry out works on protected trees, including pruning, crown reduction, or removal. We handle all aspects of the application process, ensuring submissions are accurate, compliant, and supported by professional arboricultural reports.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Conservation Area Applications
Comprehensive Tree Surveys and Reports
Whether for planning applications, property management, or development projects, our detailed tree surveys provide a thorough assessment of the health, structure, and value of individual trees, groups, or woodlands.
Reports are prepared to professional standards and include recommendations for maintenance, risk management, or removal, giving clients the information needed to plan effectively while protecting tree health and legal compliance.
Risk Assessment and Management
Tree-related hazards can pose significant risks to people and property if not identified and managed promptly. Our consultancy includes detailed tree risk assessments that evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential hazards, such as weak branches, decay, or root damage.
Based on our findings, we provide practical strategies to mitigate risks while preserving tree health and aesthetics.
Development and Planning Support
We provide consultancy services for planning and development projects, advising on tree retention, protection, and planting strategies.
Our assessments help developers, architects, and property managers make informed decisions that balance project objectives with environmental and regulatory responsibilities.
Professional Advice and Recommendations
From planting schemes and formative pruning to crown management and long-term tree strategies, our consultancy team provides bespoke guidance tailored to each site.
We combine technical expertise with practical experience, offering solutions that maintain tree health, enhance landscapes, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Benefits of Using Our Tree Consultancy Services:
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Ensure full compliance with TPOs and Conservation Area regulations.
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Make informed decisions regarding tree work and development planning.
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Protect trees’ long-term health and structural integrity.
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Minimise risk to people, property, and the surrounding environment.
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Receive clear, professional reports suitable for legal, planning, or insurance purposes.
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Access expert advice from qualified arborists with extensive experience.
Consultancy FAQs
What does arboricultural consultancy involve?
Arboricultural consultancy provides professional advice relating to trees, planning applications, risk assessments,
surveys, and tree management. Our team of experienced arborists offers clear, actionable guidance tailored to your specific site and requirements, helping property owners, developers, and local authorities manage trees safely, sustainably, and in line with current regulations.
Do I need a tree survey?
Tree surveys are often required for planning applications, development projects, mortgage reports, and safety
assessments. Our detailed tree surveys provide a thorough assessment of the health, structure, and value of individual trees, groups, or woodlands, and are prepared to professional standards with recommendations for maintenance, risk management, or removal.
What qualifications do your consultants hold?
Our qualified arboricultural consultants hold Level 3 and Level 5 qualifications in Arboriculture. They combine technical expertise with extensive practical experience to provide independent, accurate, and reliable advice that prioritises safety, compliance, and sustainable tree management.
Can you help with planning applications?
Yes. BC Tree Services can provide reports, surveys, and guidance for developments involving trees and local authority requirements. We specialise in applications for works on trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and trees located in Conservation Areas, handling all aspects of the process to ensure submissions are accurate, compliant, and professionally supported.
What is a tree risk assessment?
A tree risk assessment identifies potential hazards — such as weak branches, decay, or root damage — and recommends appropriate management to maintain safety while retaining trees where possible. Our assessments evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential risks and provide practical mitigation strategies to protect people, property, and the surrounding environment.
What is a BS5837 tree survey?
BS5837 is the British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction. A BS5837 survey assesses the quality and value of trees on or near a development site and produces a Tree Constraints Plan and Arboricultural Impact Assessment to support planning applications.
How long does a tree survey take?
This depends on the number of trees and complexity of the site. A single tree assessment can be completed in under an hour, while larger sites with multiple trees may require a full day's survey work followed by report preparation. We'll give you a realistic timeframe when we discuss your requirements.
Do I need a tree survey for a planning application?
In most cases yes — particularly where trees are present on or adjacent to a development site. Local planning authorities across East Sussex, including Wealden District Council, Lewes District Council, and Eastbourne Borough Council, routinely require arboricultural information to accompany planning applications involving trees.
By engaging our tree consultancy services, you gain access to independent, accurate, and reliable arboricultural advice that prioritises safety, compliance, and sustainable tree management. Our goal is to help you manage your trees responsibly while achieving practical and environmentally sound outcomes.
Why Choose BC Tree Services for Arboricultural Consultancy
🔍 Experience working with Wealden, Lewes, and Eastbourne Borough Council planning departments
🔍 Reports prepared to professional standards for planning, legal, and insurance purposes
🔍 Independent, impartial advice with no vested interest in unnecessary work
🔍 NPTC qualified, LANTRA certified, and Arboricultural Association members
🔍 Trusted by the National Trust and South Downs National Park Authority
🔍 Level 3 and Level 5 qualified arboricultural consultants
🔍 Free initial consultations across East Sussex