Root Protection Area
The RPA is derived from the stem diameter information recorded during the BS5837 survey and represents an important below-ground planning constraint for retained trees.
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Tree Constraints Plan (TCP).
BS5837 · Design Stage · Planning
Tree Constraints Plan (TCP).
Design Around Trees Earlier.
Need a Tree Constraints Plan for a planning project? We map the relevant tree positions, crowns and Root Protection Areas so your design team can see the constraints before the layout is fixed.
- Tree positions, crown spreads and RPAs shown clearly
- Built from BS5837 survey data and a suitable site base
- Independent consultant review with a fixed-fee proposal
FREE · NO OBLIGATION
Get your Tree Constraints Plan quote
Tell us where the site is. A consultant will review the available tree information, topographical survey and design stage and email a fixed-fee proposal for the appropriate TCP scope.
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Tree Constraints Plan — Quick Answer
What is a Tree Constraints Plan?
A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) is a scaled design-stage drawing produced from BS5837 tree survey information. It plots the relevant tree positions, crown spreads, Root Protection Areas and other constraints onto a suitable site base so architects and developers can understand how trees should influence the emerging layout.
Why it comes early
When is a Tree Constraints Plan required?
The TCP is most valuable before the design is fixed. It gives the project team a realistic picture of tree constraints while there is still time to alter footprints, roads, access, drainage and open-space relationships.
01
Pre-application or feasibility stage
Where trees may influence whether a site or extension can accommodate the intended development without avoidable conflict.
02
Before the architectural layout is fixed
The design team can see the main below- and above-ground constraints before committing to building footprints or infrastructure.
03
Planning validation / tree information request
Some Local Planning Authorities expect a tree survey and Tree Constraints Plan where trees on or adjacent to the site may be affected.
04
Redesign after tree issues are identified
If an early concept has already been drawn, the TCP can show where the strongest tree conflicts sit before the proposal is developed further.
The drawing
What does a Tree Constraints Plan show?
The exact contents depend on the survey and project scope, but the point is to turn the tree data into an immediately understandable design constraint drawing.
Tree positions & references
Each surveyed tree or group is tied back to the tree schedule so the designer can cross-reference the arboricultural evidence.
Crown spread
The current canopy extent helps show above-ground relationships with proposed buildings, access and working space.
Root Protection Areas
The calculated below-ground constraint is plotted so the design team can see where roots need early consideration.
BS5837 categories
Category information can help the team understand relative tree quality and the retention strategy alongside the spatial constraints.
Tree height / future relationship
On some projects the design also needs to consider height, future growth, shading, dominance and crown clearance.
Existing site information
A suitable topographical or measured base helps the TCP relate trees accurately to boundaries, buildings, levels and other relevant site features.
Understanding the constraints
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03
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06
Trees affect design below ground and above ground.
A TCP is not just an RPA drawing. The design team also needs to understand the existing crown, future tree relationship and the practical way the site will function around retained trees.
Crown spread
Current branch spread helps show where a building, access route or working area could conflict physically with the existing canopy.
Future growth
A design that only fits beneath today's crown may create an uncomfortable long-term relationship if the retained tree has significant future growth potential.
Tree height & dominance
Large trees close to small private gardens, windows or proposed buildings can create future pressure even where the footprint technically avoids the RPA.
Shading & daylight
On some layouts, canopy orientation and tree height may need to be considered alongside daylight, solar access and the quality of future amenity space.
Site topography
Levels, retaining features, boundaries and previous ground disturbance can influence how the theoretical constraints are interpreted against the real site.
Drawing accuracy
Why does a TCP need a good site base?
The usefulness of a constraints plan depends on how accurately the tree information can be coordinated with the site. A high-quality tree survey plotted against poor or outdated base information can still create design uncertainty.
Topographical survey
A measured site survey can provide tree positions, boundaries, structures, levels and other features needed to coordinate the arboricultural information with the design team.
Where a suitable topographical survey already exists, send it with the enquiry so the required drawing workflow can be confirmed.
Tree survey data
The TCP builds on the BS5837 tree survey — including tree references, stem dimensions, crown spread, categories and other relevant observations.
CAD coordination
Arbor Cultural's existing TCP workflow uses CAD-based drawing information including AutoCAD and KeyTree. That allows the constraints to be coordinated with the site and design drawings rather than presented as an isolated sketch.
PDF output
PDF is useful for planning submissions, client review and straightforward circulation. The appropriate digital deliverables should be agreed with the project team at the start.
BIM / advanced digital coordination
The source material for Arbor Cultural's current TCP service refers to BIM and 3D / 4D representations. Where a project genuinely needs that level of coordination, the required digital output should be scoped specifically rather than assumed on every instruction.
BS5837 tree categories
How do tree categories help shape the design?
Categorisation does not tell the architect exactly where to build, but it adds context to the spatial constraints. A high-quality retained tree may warrant a different design response from a tree of limited arboricultural value.
| Category | Design interpretation | TCP role | Important caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category AHigher-quality tree | Often deserves strong early consideration in the design strategy. | Shows the spatial constraints so the design team can respond before the layout is fixed. | Planning outcomes still depend on the full site and proposal. |
| Category BModerate-quality tree | Can remain an important design consideration depending on position, group value and site context. | Helps identify where retention can influence layout efficiency. | Category is only one part of the planning assessment. |
| Category CLower-quality / limited constraint | May exert less influence on the masterplan, but the tree should not simply be ignored. | Still plotted so the design team understands the full tree population. | Other legal, ecological or landscape factors can still matter. |
| Category UUnsuitable for long-term retention in current context | May have limited long-term planning value where removal is justified by the survey evidence. | Provides spatial context while the wider arboricultural recommendation is considered. | Removal still needs to respect any statutory or ecological constraints. |
Which BS5837 document does what?
The TCP is the design bridge between survey data and the proposed layout.
| Document | Main question | Typical stage | Key output |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS5837 Tree SurveySurvey service → | What trees are present and what is their quality, size and condition? | Early planning / design | Survey schedule and tree data. |
| Tree Constraints PlanThis page | Where do the tree constraints sit spatially, and how should they influence design? | Feasibility / concept design | Scaled constraints drawing. |
| Arboricultural Impact AssessmentAIA service → | What impacts does the proposed layout create and how can they be mitigated? | Planning assessment | Impact analysis and mitigation strategy. |
| Tree Protection PlanTPP service → | Where do construction-stage tree protection measures apply? | Condition / construction stage | Protection drawing. |
| Arboricultural Method StatementAMS service → | How are sensitive demolition or construction operations carried out? | Condition discharge / construction | Written methodology. |
How designers use the TCP
01 · Extension
02 · Housing
03 · Infrastructure
04 · Off-site trees
05 · Feasibility
06 · Redesign
Constraints can become design information.
Domestic extension near a boundary tree
The TCP can show whether the footprint, foundations, access or scaffold are likely to interact with a retained tree before the detailed design is developed.
Residential layout with mature tree groups
Tree groups can influence road alignment, plot orientation, garden sizes, open space and the relationship between buildings and future canopy growth.
Access, drainage and services
The building may avoid the trees while roads, attenuation, drainage or utility routes create the real conflict. Early constraints mapping helps expose that issue.
Neighbouring trees influencing the site
Ownership does not determine arboricultural influence. Trees beyond the boundary can still affect the layout where crown or rooting constraints extend toward the site.
Testing development capacity
The TCP helps the project team understand where tree constraints are strongest before committing too much design time to a layout that may need substantial revision.
Responding after planning feedback
Where a tree officer or planning consultant raises tree conflicts, the constraints drawing can help focus redesign on the actual spatial issue rather than broad guesswork.
How a TCP is produced
From tree survey to usable design overlay.
01
Review the site & brief
We check the planning stage, existing drawings, topographical information and whether suitable tree survey data already exists.
02
Survey the trees where required
Relevant BS5837 tree information is collected and tied to tree references for the schedule and plan.
03
Coordinate the site base
Tree positions and relevant survey information are plotted against the best available measured / topographical information.
04
Plot the constraints
Crown spreads, Root Protection Areas, categories and other relevant constraints are represented clearly for design use.
05
Consultant review
The drawing is checked in the context of the site and the intended planning / design use rather than issued as raw survey graphics only.
06
Issue for the design team
The agreed output is supplied digitally so the architect, developer or planning team can use the information at the next design stage.
Arbor Cultural video
Watch: understanding TCP overlays.
This existing Arbor Cultural video explains the role of the Tree Constraints Plan overlay within the BS5837 design process.
The drawing is useful because it translates survey information into something the wider project team can actually coordinate with the site layout.
Tree Constraints Plan cost
How much does a Tree Constraints Plan cost?
TCP fees depend on the size and complexity of the site, number of trees, quality of the existing tree and topographical information, drawing requirements and whether a fresh BS5837 survey is also required. Arbor Cultural reviews the scope first and provides a fixed-fee proposal.
Tree numbers: a handful of trees on a domestic plot is different from a large multi-tree development site.
Existing survey: a suitable recent survey can reduce duplicated work; outdated or incomplete information may need updating.
Site base: the quality and format of the topographical / measured survey affects drawing coordination.
Digital output: PDF, CAD or more advanced coordination requirements should be agreed at quotation stage.
Access and location: site visit requirements and travel form part of the professional scope.
Want a project-specific fee?
Send the site address, topographical survey and any tree information you already have. If a BS5837 survey is still needed, we can identify that before you instruct.
Get my fixed-fee quote →
Before requesting a quote
What should I send for a TCP quote?
Start with what you already have. You do not need to prepare a technical brief before contacting us.
01
Site address or postcode
Enough information to identify the site and understand likely travel / access requirements.
02
Topographical or measured survey
If one already exists, send the latest version and file format available.
03
Existing tree survey
If another consultant has already surveyed the site, send the report and drawings so we can assess whether the information is suitable for the TCP.
04
Early layout or project brief
A concept layout is useful if it exists, but the TCP can also be commissioned before the design is fixed.
05
Planning wording or deadline
Send any validation request, pre-application comments or genuine planning deadline so the scope and programme can be considered properly.
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Service coverage
Tree Constraints Plans across London & the South East.
These are service areas, not claimed office locations. Open a region to see the named towns and localities covered.
Greater London · Surrey · West Sussex · East Sussex · Kent · Hampshire · Berkshire · Buckinghamshire · Oxfordshire
01 Surrey 75 locations
Abinger HammerAddlestoneAlburyAshAshteadBagshotBansteadBetchworthBisleyBookhamBramleyBrockhamByfleetCamberleyCaterhamChertseyChipsteadChobhamClaygateCobhamComptonCranleighDorkingEast MoleseyEffinghamEghamEnglefield GreenEpsomEsherEwellFarncombeFarnhamFetchamFrimleyGodalmingGodstoneGreat BookhamGuildfordHaslemereHershamHindheadHorleyKingswoodLeatherheadLightwaterLingfieldMersthamMilfordNew HawOttershawOxtedOxshottPirbrightRedhillReigateRipleySendShalfordSheppertonSmallfieldStaines-upon-ThamesSunbury-on-ThamesSurbitonTadworthThames DittonVirginia WaterWalton-on-ThamesWarlinghamWest ByfleetWest MoleseyWeybridgeWindleshamWokingWoldinghamWoodham
02 West Sussex 40 locations
AngmeringArundelBillingshurstBognor RegisBoshamBroadbridge HeathBurgess HillChichesterCopthorneCrawleyCuckfieldEast GrinsteadEast PrestonFelphamFernhurstFishbourneHassocksHaywards HeathHenfieldHorshamHurstpierpointLancingLindfieldLittlehamptonLoxwoodMiddleton-on-SeaMidhurstPetworthPulboroughRustingtonSayers CommonSelseyShoreham-by-SeaSouthbourneSouthwaterSouthwickSteyningStorringtonTangmereWorthing
03 East Sussex 30 locations
AlfristonBattleBexhill-on-SeaBrightonCrowboroughDitchlingEast DeanEastbourneForest RowHailshamHastingsHeathfieldHoveHurst GreenLewesMayfieldNewhavenNewickPeacehavenPevenseyPolegateRingmerRobertsbridgeRyeSaltdeanSeafordTelscombeUckfieldWadhurstWinchelsea
04 Greater London 87 locations
ActonBalhamBarking and DagenhamBarnesBarnetBatterseaBeckenhamBelgraviaBelsize ParkBexleyBlackheathBrentBrixtonBromleyCamdenCanary WharfChelseaChessingtonChislehurstChiswickCity of LondonClaphamCroydonDeptfordDulwichEalingElthamEnfieldFinchleyFulhamGreenwichHackneyHammersmithHammersmith and FulhamHampsteadHaringeyHarrowHaveringHayesHendonHighgateHillingdonHounslowIlfordIslingtonKensington and ChelseaKewKingston upon ThamesKnightsbridgeLambethLewishamLeytonMaryleboneMayfairMertonMill HillMortlakeMuswell HillNew MaldenNewhamNotting HillOrpingtonPeckhamPengePutneyPutney HeathRaynes ParkRedbridgeRichmond upon ThamesRuislipSidcupSouthallSouthwarkStreathamSuttonTeddingtonTootingTolworthTower HamletsTwickenhamUxbridgeWaltham ForestWandsworthWestminsterWimbledonWoolwichWorcester Park
05 Kent 41 locations
AshfordAylesfordBirchington-on-SeaBroadstairsCanterburyChathamCranbrookDartfordDealDittonDoverEdenbridgeFavershamFolkestoneGillinghamGravesendHerne BayHytheLyddMaidstoneMargateMinsterNorthfleetPaddock WoodQueenboroughRainhamRamsgateRochesterRoyal Tunbridge WellsSandwichSevenoaksSheernessSittingbourneSnodlandSouthboroughSwanleyTenterdenTonbridgeWest MallingWesterhamWhitstable
06 Hampshire 38 locations
AldershotAltonAndoverBasingstokeBishop's WalthamBordonEastleighEmsworthFarehamFarnboroughFleetFordingbridgeGosportHartley WintneyHavantHedge EndHookKingsclereLee-on-the-SolentLiphookLissLocks HeathLymingtonNew MiltonOdihamPetersfieldPortsmouthRingwoodRomseySouthamptonSouthseaStockbridgeTadleyTottonWaterloovilleWhitchurchWinchesterYateley
07 Berkshire 30 locations
ArborfieldAscotBinfieldBracknellBrayBurghfieldCookhamCrowthorneDatchetEarleyFinchampsteadHungerfordKintburyLambournLangleyMaidenheadNewburyPangbourneReadingSandhurstSloughSunningdaleThatchamThealeTilehurstTwyfordWarfieldWindsorWokinghamWoodley
08 Buckinghamshire 24 locations
AmershamAylesburyBeaconsfieldBletchleyBourne EndBuckinghamBurnhamChalfont St GilesChalfont St PeterCheshamGerrards CrossGreat MissendenHaddenhamHigh WycombeIverMarlowMilton KeynesNewport PagnellOlneyPrinces RisboroughStony StratfordWendoverWinslowWolverton
09 Oxfordshire 25 locations
Abingdon-on-ThamesBamptonBanburyBensonBicesterBurfordCartertonCharlburyChipping NortonDidcotEynshamFaringdonGoring-on-ThamesGroveHenley-on-ThamesKidlingtonOxfordSonning CommonThameWallingfordWantageWatlingtonWheatleyWitneyWoodstock
Tree Constraints Plan FAQs
Detailed answers to common TCP questions.
If the council has asked for something using different wording, send the exact request and we can review what information is actually needed.
What is a Tree Constraints Plan?
A Tree Constraints Plan (TCP) is a scaled drawing used at the design stage to show the spatial constraints associated with trees. It commonly includes tree positions, crown spreads, Root Protection Areas and BS5837 categories so the design team can understand where trees influence the available development space.
When is a Tree Constraints Plan required?
A TCP is commonly needed where trees are present on or close to a development site and the design needs to respond to those trees. Some Local Planning Authorities expect a tree survey and Tree Constraints Plan as part of the planning information.
Is a Tree Constraints Plan the same as a BS5837 tree survey?
No. The tree survey records the relevant tree data and quality. The Tree Constraints Plan plots the spatial implications of that information onto a suitable site base so designers can see the constraints.
What does a Tree Constraints Plan show?
The exact contents depend on the project, but a TCP can show surveyed tree positions, crown spreads, Root Protection Areas, BS5837 categories, tree references, existing site features and other relevant above- and below-ground tree constraints.
Does a TCP show Root Protection Areas?
Yes. Root Protection Areas are one of the key below-ground constraints commonly shown on a Tree Constraints Plan so the design team can see the relationship between retained trees and the developable layout.
Does a Tree Constraints Plan show crown spread?
Yes. Crown spread is normally shown because the current canopy can influence building positions, access, daylight, working space and the long-term relationship between trees and development.
What are above-ground tree constraints?
Above-ground constraints can include existing crown spread, tree height, future growth, branch clearance, shading and the physical relationship between a tree canopy and proposed buildings or access.
What is the difference between a TCP and a Tree Protection Plan?
A Tree Constraints Plan is primarily a design-stage document showing where trees influence the development layout. A Tree Protection Plan is a later construction-stage drawing showing how retained trees will be protected during demolition and building work.
What is the difference between a TCP and an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
The TCP shows the tree constraints that should influence design. The Arboricultural Impact Assessment tests the actual proposed layout against those constraints and explains likely impacts, removals and mitigation.
Do I need a topographical survey for a Tree Constraints Plan?
A reliable topographical or measured site base is highly useful because the TCP needs to plot tree positions and constraints accurately against the site. The exact information required depends on the quality of the drawings already available.
Can a TCP be prepared before the architectural layout?
Yes. That is often one of its most useful roles. Preparing tree constraints before the layout is fixed gives the design team an opportunity to respond to important trees instead of redesigning later.
Can a Tree Constraints Plan reduce redesign risk?
It can. By showing important tree constraints early, architects and developers can identify conflicts before the scheme is fixed. This does not guarantee planning approval, but it can reduce avoidable tree-related design changes.
Does a TCP include neighbouring trees?
It can. Trees on adjoining land may be relevant where their crowns, rooting areas or future relationship influence the application site. The correct survey scope depends on the site and proposal.
Does a TCP show tree categories A, B, C and U?
Where a BS5837 survey has categorised the trees, the Tree Constraints Plan can use the same references and category information to help the design team understand relative tree quality and retention considerations.
What do BS5837 tree categories mean?
BS5837 categorisation is used to describe the arboricultural quality and value of surveyed trees in the planning context. The categories help the design team understand which trees may deserve greater consideration, but categorisation is not the only factor affecting a planning decision.
What information is needed before a TCP can be produced?
Useful inputs include the site address, a suitable topographical survey or measured base, existing tree information where available, the planning brief and any early layout or access information.
Can Arbor Cultural produce the BS5837 survey as well as the TCP?
Yes. If a suitable recent BS5837 tree survey is not available, Arbor Cultural can scope the survey and Tree Constraints Plan together.
Can the TCP be supplied in CAD and PDF?
Arbor Cultural's existing Tree Constraints Plan workflow uses CAD-based drawing information. The appropriate output can be confirmed when the project scope and available base drawings are reviewed.
Do you use AutoCAD for Tree Constraints Plans?
Arbor Cultural's existing TCP material states that Tree Constraints Plans are plotted using CAD workflows including AutoCAD and KeyTree. The exact drawing workflow depends on the project information supplied.
Can a TCP support BIM or 3D design workflows?
Where the project scope and design team require it, tree-constraint information can be coordinated with more advanced digital design workflows. The exact deliverable should be agreed before instruction.
Does a TCP identify the developable area?
It helps the design team understand where tree constraints are strongest and where layout flexibility may exist. It should not be treated as a legal boundary showing where construction is automatically permitted or prohibited.
Can a TCP be used for an extension?
Yes. Domestic extensions can need a TCP where a retained tree on or near the property influences the proposed footprint, access, foundations or future relationship between the building and canopy.
Can a TCP be used for larger housing developments?
Yes. On larger sites a TCP can help inform roads, drainage, plots, open space, service routes and the relationship between retained tree groups and the development framework.
Does a TCP consider access roads and drainage?
The TCP shows the tree constraints that should inform those design elements. Once access, drainage or infrastructure is proposed, the Arboricultural Impact Assessment can assess the actual interaction and any required mitigation.
Does a TCP include shading?
Tree height, crown geometry and future growth can affect the relationship between trees and proposed buildings. Depending on the project and planning context, shading or dominance may need to be considered alongside the core TCP information.
How much does a Tree Constraints Plan cost?
Cost depends on the size and complexity of the site, number of trees, quality of the existing survey and topographical information, drawing requirements and whether a new BS5837 site survey is also needed. Arbor Cultural reviews the scope first and provides a fixed-fee proposal.
How long does a Tree Constraints Plan take?
Timescales depend on whether a site survey is required, the number of trees, access, drawing quality and current workload. Include any genuine design or planning deadline with the enquiry so the programme can be considered before instruction.
Can homeowners commission a TCP directly?
Yes. Homeowners, architects, developers and planning consultants can commission a Tree Constraints Plan. You do not need to know every required planning document before contacting Arbor Cultural.
Will a TCP guarantee planning permission?
No. A TCP is professional arboricultural information used to inform design and planning. Planning decisions remain with the Local Planning Authority and depend on the wider proposal and policy context.
Does a TCP replace an Arboricultural Impact Assessment?
No. The TCP helps shape the design by showing tree constraints. The AIA is usually prepared once there is a sufficiently developed proposal to assess the likely arboricultural impacts.
Does a TCP replace a Tree Protection Plan?
No. The Tree Protection Plan is generally a later document showing construction-stage protection measures for retained trees.
What should I send for a Tree Constraints Plan quote?
Send the site postcode or address, any topographical survey, existing tree survey, early layout drawings, council wording and a genuine deadline if one applies. If information is missing, Arbor Cultural can explain what is needed next.
Need a Tree Constraints Plan for your project?
Send the site, topographical survey and any tree information you already have. A consultant can review the likely scope and provide a fixed-fee proposal.