At Thomson, our clients turn to us for advice and guidance on many different areas of environmental compliance.
Tree consultants
With extensive knowledge in tree management, regulation and environmental complexities, our arboriculture consultants don’t just conduct surveys. They navigate intricate issues to provide strategic advice and practical support to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your projects.
We work across a range of development types, from small residential development to large scale nationally significant infrastructure projects. Our expertise also spans a breadth of sectors including highways and rail, energy infrastructure, housing and commercial development as well as supporting institutional landowners and local authorities to manage their tree stock.
Our integrated approach means you’ll benefit from a dedicated project manager who seamlessly guides you through every step, ensuring all planning requirements are met and risks are proactively managed. Our arboricultural surveyors also work closely with our in-house ecologists to identify and address any ecological constraints and deliver tangible solutions that meet the needs of your project, local authorities and the environment.
Our arboriculture services
At Thomson EC, we offer a range of arboricultural services designed to ensure the health, safety, and long-term viability of trees across your projects and properties, while seamlessly integrating with your broader environmental and development goals. Our tree consultancy services include:
- Tree management – we handle everything from initial surveys and assessments (such as CAVAT and Canopy Cover assessments), right through to the formation of tailored management plans and planting advice for future generations of tree stock. Our surveys can also include THREATS (Tree Hazard: Risk Evaluation and Treatment System) assessments.
- Trees in development and planning – our arboriculture consultancy services are specifically tailored to support land development projects and navigate the planning application process, facilitating compliance with standards such as BS5837.
- Trees and the law – we provide expert advice and support on Tree Preservation Orders, conservation area regulations, felling licenses, and more.
To find out more about how our tree consultants can help with your next project, get in touch or call us on 01483 466 000.
Arboricultural services for schools
Our arboriculture team helps clients across a wide range of sectors–one of which being education. Our consultants provide schools with health and safety surveys and inspections to effectively manage risk, as well as offering BS5837 surveys and reports to turn their development or redevelopment plans into reality.
We’re proud to be an exclusive supplier for Sky Blue Education, one of the UK’s top providers of education procurement support, assisting schools in securing essential products and services.
Meet team of arboricultural consultants
With decades of industry experience and a commitment to staying at the forefront of the field, our arboriculture team delivers the most impactful solutions to meet your tree management needs. To find out how our arboricultural services can help with your project, get in touch via our online form or give us a call on 01483 466 000.
Tree consultancy knowledge hub
Explore our knowledge hub for a wealth of resources and insights from our expert arboricultural consultants, from tree management advice, to the latest news and developments in the world of arboriculture.
Arboriculture Ecology FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding our arboriculture consultant services below.
What arboricultural services do you provide for development and infrastructure projects?
We specialise in arboricultural consultancy for planning and infrastructure, offering BS5837:2012 tree surveys, Tree Constraints Plans (TCP), Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA), Tree Retention and Removal Plans (TRRP), Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS), Tree Protection Plans (TPP), pre-development tree surveys, and ongoing site monitoring. We support all stages of a project, from feasibility and design through to post-construction tree protection and management.
Do you produce BS5837 tree reports required for planning applications?
Yes. BS5837:2012 reports are a core part of our service. These reports evaluate the interaction between existing trees and proposed development layouts, offering practical guidance to inform site design, tree retention, and construction practices. Our deliverables include Tree Constraints Plans, Arboricultural Impact Assessments, and Arboricultural Method Statement Documents.
What types of projects require Arboricultural consultancy services?
We regularly work on residential and commercial developments, highway schemes, water utility infrastructure, energy and renewable infrastructure, schools, healthcare facilities, and transport projects. Our experience ranges from single-dwelling sites to large-scale strategic infrastructure developments across the UK.
How early in a project should you get an Arboricultural Consultant involved?
The earlier, the better. Engaging an arboricultural consultant at RIBA Stage 1–2 (Feasibility or Concept Design) can help you avoid costly design revisions and ensure tree-related constraints are fully understood. Early input helps integrate arboriculture with ecology, drainage, and planning strategies.
Can your Arboricultural Consultants attend design team or planning meetings?
Yes. We are experienced in working as part of multidisciplinary teams and regularly attend meetings with clients, consultants, and local authorities. We provide clear, defensible arboricultural advice that supports successful planning and smooth on-site delivery.
Do you provide on-site Arboricultural supervision or monitoring during construction?
Absolutely. We offer construction-phase services, including Arboricultural Clerk of Works (ACoW), tree protection inspections, and toolbox talks for contractors. This ensures that tree protection measures outlined in the Arboricultural Method Statements are implemented and maintained, helping you remain compliant with planning conditions and British Standards.
How do you handle Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and trees in Conservation Areas?
We provide expert advice and liaise with local planning authorities on works to protected trees. This includes preparing and submitting TPO applications, producing supporting arboricultural justifications, and negotiating mitigation or replacement planting where necessary. Regarding development near protected trees, we are experienced in finding design solutions to ensure that protected trees are successfully retained without significantly impacting developable areas.
Why is a tree risk assessment important?
We provide a range of Tree Risk Assessment services. If you own land with trees—especially near roads, buildings, or public areas—you have a legal duty to ensure they’re safe. We often work with Local Authorities, Schools, Site Management Agents and Private Landowners who have trees that could impact public access areas. A tree risk assessment identifies hazards like disease, decay, or structural issues. Regular inspections help you manage risks, comply with UK laws (such as the Occupiers’ Liability Acts), and avoid potential liability or damage.
How do you undertake a tree risk assessment, and how often should it be done?
We conduct a detailed visual inspection, assess the health and structural condition, and provide a written report with risk ratings and recommendations. Frequency depends on location and risk level—typically every 1–3 years in high-use areas. Our qualified consultants can advise you on a suitable schedule and specific methodology.
How do I commission a tree survey or report?
Give us a call on 01483 466 000 or fill in our quick online form. We’ll review your site layout or planning requirements and provide a fixed-fee quote.
