The Tree Protection Plan, or TPP, is the construction drawing that shows how retained trees will be safeguarded during demolition and building work. Its value lies in practical clarity.
A good Tree Protection Plans coordinates with the latest layout and the Arboricultural Method Statement. A fence line that cannot physically be installed is not an effective protection strategy.
What the plan should communicate
The TPP typically identifies retained and removed trees, protective barriers, construction exclusion zones, ground protection and areas where special methods apply. It should use the same tree references as the survey and AIA.
Contractors should not have to guess which line on the drawing is mandatory.
Install protection before the damage starts
Tree damage often happens during clearance, demolition, compound setup and delivery—before foundations begin. If the approved sequence requires protection first, that protection should be in place before the risky activity arrives.
Late fencing cannot undo soil compaction.
Ground protection is as important as trunk protection
Repeated trafficking can compact soil even where roots are not visibly cut. Where access across sensitive ground is unavoidable, a designed ground-protection system may be required.
Loose boards placed directly on soil are not automatically an adequate engineering solution.
Link the plan to site instructions
The TPP should work with the Arboricultural Method Statements so written methods and drawing information agree. The method can explain storage restrictions, excavation controls, service installation and what to do if unexpected roots are encountered.
When supervision helps
Sensitive operations can be supported by arboricultural supervision where the approved condition or method requires professional attendance. Records can then show that agreed measures were installed or followed.
Practical Next Step
If your permission contains a tree-protection condition, send Arbor Cultural the decision notice and approved plans. We can prepare the TPP around the real construction sequence.
Relevant Arbor Cultural Services
Continue with the service most closely related to this guidance:
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions related to this subject.
Is tree-protection fencing always required?
Not always in the same form, but physical protection is common where construction could affect retained trees.
When should fencing be installed?
Before the operations that could damage trees or rooting areas, in accordance with the approved sequence.
Can the contractor move the fence temporarily?
Not casually. Changes to an approved protection layout should be discussed with the project arboriculturist and, where necessary, the planning authority.
Arbor Cultural Service Coverage
Arbor Cultural provides Tree Protection Plans and related arboricultural consultancy across London and mainland South East England.
London
Coverage includes the City of London and all 32 London boroughs, with project work across Central, North, East, South and West London.
South East counties
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex, including Lewes, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Guildford, Winchester, Oxford, Reading and surrounding districts.
Who we support
Homeowners, architects, developers, engineers, landowners, property professionals, insurers and organisations requiring independent arboricultural evidence.
For project-specific advice, you can contact Arbor Cultural or send your drawings and requirements through our online quotation form.
