Arboricultural Method Statements (AMS) in Surrey & London
The essential “Blueprint” for construction. We provide the BS 5837 compliant Method Statements required to discharge planning conditions and protect trees.
The "Instruction Manual" for your site
In Simple Terms, an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) describes precisely how construction work needs to be done on or near a site with trees – crucially, without harming them.
Think of it as a “Must-Do” list for your contractors. It is a blueprint that serves to prevent accidental tree damage during the build.
Why is it critical? Your Local Planning Authority (LPA) in Surrey or London will typically demand this document after your proposals have been finalised but before they discharge planning conditions. Without it, you cannot legally start digging.
The Method Statement covers both the immediate construction phase and the future management of the trees, ensuring compliance with BS 3998 Tree Work -Recommendations (2010).
Supporting projects of all sizes across the South East
Working throughout Surrey, Sussex, and the South East, Arbor Cultural handles every aspect of the AMS for a wide range of clients:
Property Developers & Builders: With sites and schemes of all sizes.
Architects & Planning Consultants: Needing technical details to satisfy the Council.
Private Residential Clients: Extending their homes near protected trees.
Public & Commercial Sector: Managing large-scale infrastructure or estates.
We balance "Tree Protection" with "Building Reality"
In some ways, the process is a balancing act. There are often conflicting interests between protecting a tree and getting a digger onto the site.
This is where we help. Arbor Cultural will consider budgetary constraints and the practical needs of your construction team, all while safeguarding important trees. With our practical know-how, we see the bigger picture -designing solutions that keep the Tree Officer happy without making the build impossible for your contractors.
Safety included as standard
We don’t just look at where the fence goes. The team will always undertake a tree condition assessment as part of any BS 5837 survey to identify any defects of concern.
While drafting your Method Statement, we check that the trees you are protecting are actually safe to keep – ensuring you don’t spend money protecting a dangerous tree.
What does the Method Statement cover?
Your AMS is a comprehensive document. It will be compiled into a report and displayed on a Tree Protection Plan (TPP), covering:
Site Setup:
Temporary Tree Protection Fencing.
Construction Exclusion Zones.
Site Access & Contractor Parking.
Temporary Site Huts, Facilities & Storage.
Protection Measures:
Temporary Trunk Protection.
Temporary Ground Protection (Ground boarding).
Construction Details:
Demolition methodologies near trees.
Hard Surfaces within the RPA (temporary and permanent).
Construction techniques within the RPA.
Alternative Foundation Designs (e.g., piles/beams).
Tree Care:
Remedial tree work.
Replacement planting & post-development treatments.
Arboricultural Supervision (Clerk of Works duties).
What does the Method Statement cover?
Your AMS is a comprehensive document. It will be compiled into a report and displayed on a Tree Protection Plan (TPP), covering:
Site Setup:
Temporary Tree Protection Fencing.
Construction Exclusion Zones.
Site Access & Contractor Parking.
Temporary Site Huts, Facilities & Storage.
Protection Measures:
Temporary Trunk Protection.
Temporary Ground Protection (Ground boarding).
Construction Details:
Demolition methodologies near trees.
Hard Surfaces within the RPA (temporary and permanent).
Construction techniques within the RPA.
Alternative Foundation Designs (e.g., piles/beams).
Tree Care:
Remedial tree work.
Replacement planting & post-development treatments.
Arboricultural Supervision (Clerk of Works duties).