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Tree protection plan template

A tree protection plan you keep on site on a phone or tablet. Record the planning condition and the arboricultural report, then each retained tree by area with its tag, species, stem diameter and root protection area from the report, the protective fencing specification, ground protection, no-dig areas and the construction exclusion zone. Then check the site against it: dated checks with photos, arboriculturist visits, and actions with an owner and a date. To survey the trees in the first place, use the tree survey template; for the wider site, the construction environmental management plan.

For site managers, developers and arboriculturists who must keep retained trees protected through construction, and show the protection stayed in place.

Written for the UK, with notes citing the law of England (and Wales where it applies). In the US, tree protection on building sites is set by the city or county, so check your local arborist's rules.

  • Trees by area with tag scan, species, stem diameter, status and protection, and the root protection area from the arboricultural report
  • Protective fencing specification and length, ground protection, no-dig areas and the construction exclusion zone for each area
  • Ten dated site checks, from fencing on the drawn line to no storage, digging or spills in root protection areas, with photos and Walk Cam
  • Arboriculturist supervision schedule and visits, actions with owner and date, and sign-off
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What is a tree protection plan?

A tree protection plan works when the fencing on site matches the drawing and someone checks it. Record each retained tree with its tag and the root protection area from the arboricultural report, the fencing specification and install date, then add dated checks with photos so a moved panel or materials stored in a root protection area are caught and put right the same day.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against Malvern Hills District Council, BS 5837 (2012) Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction, Leeds City Council, tree survey guidance note (PDF), GOV.UK planning practice guidance, Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas, Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 197, planning permission and the preservation of trees, Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 211, trees in conservation areas and City of San Mateo, California, tree protection requirements during construction.

How to keep a tree protection plan on site

Start from the arboricultural report and its scaled tree protection plan drawing. The form puts that plan on site and records the checks.

  1. Record the condition and the report

    Enter the planning reference and type of permission, the tree protection condition and its wording, the arboriculturist, the report and the drawing revision.

  2. Add each area and its trees

    Add an area for each part of the site with trees, then each tree with its tag number, species, status, protection and stem diameter. Copy the root protection area radius and area from the report.

  3. Set out the protection

    For each area, enter the fencing specification, its length and install date, any ground protection and no-dig areas, and what may not happen in the exclusion zone. Photograph the fencing as installed.

  4. Plan supervision

    List the measures in the plan, the compound and access, the pre-start meeting, and the tasks that need the arboriculturist on site.

  5. Check the site and act

    Add a dated check each time: ten checks with a reason for anything needing action, photos and a walk-round video. Record each arboriculturist visit, give each action an owner and a date, and sign.

What makes a tree protection plan work on site

Protective fencing specification and the dated site checks

Six homes next to two oaks with a Tree Preservation Order. T2: oak, 690 mm stem, RPA 8.3 m radius from the report, 2 m braced mesh fencing installed 3 October. Check on 20 October: three panels moved about 2 m in for scaffold access and two pallets of blocks inside the RPA. Panels put back and pallets moved the same day; the arboriculturist visited on 21 October and saw no damage.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Fencing put up once and never checked, or moved for access without asking the arboriculturist, with no record of when it happened.

What happens next

Agree the fence line with the arboriculturist before work starts, check it at least as often as your condition or method statement says, and keep the record for the council.

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Every question in the tree protection plan template

A tree protection plan for retained trees on a building site: planning condition and arboricultural report, trees by area with tag, species, stem diameter and root protection area from the report, protective fencing, ground protection, no-dig areas and exclusion zones, the supervision schedule, then dated site checks with photos, arboriculturist visits, actions and sign-off. 6 sections and 120 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Developer or client: the project's customer

Plan details

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Developer or clientShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Plan date*Date
  • Prepared by*Short answer
  • Where is the site?*Choose one

    Sets which notes you see.

    • England
    • Wales
    • Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • United States
    • Other country
  • Local planning authority or cityShort answer
  • Planning permission or permit referenceShort answer
  • Type of permissionChoose one
    • Full planning permission
    • Outline planning permission only
    • Reserved matters approved
    • Permitted development
    • Not yet granted
    • Not applicable
  • Condition number(s) on tree protectionShort answer

    For example condition 6 (tree protection).

  • What the condition asks forNotes

    Copy its wording, so each point can be checked on site.

  • Project arboriculturistShort answer
  • CompanyShort answer
  • Arboricultural report reference and dateShort answer

    Tree survey, impact assessment and method statement.

  • Tree protection plan drawing and revisionShort answer

    For example TPP-01 rev C.

  • Arboricultural report and plan drawingPhotos
  • Plan status*Choose one
    • Draft
    • Submitted for approval
    • Approved
    • Not tied to a condition
  • Date approvedDate
    Shown when “Plan status” is “Approved”
  • CheckThis form records the tree protection plan on site and the checks against it. The root protection areas, fencing and ground protection come from the arboricultural report and its scaled tree protection plan drawing. The form does not replace that drawing, assess trees or discharge a planning condition.
  • GuidanceBS 5837:2012. The UK standard is BS 5837:2012, Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. As one council summarises it, the tree protection plan is a scale plan showing the buildings, all retained trees on and next to the site with their root protection areas and crown spreads, the protective fences or barriers and how they are built, where plant and materials are stored, drainage runs, roads, accesses and other features that may affect the trees (Malvern Hills District Council guidance on BS 5837).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceEngland and Wales. When granting planning permission the local planning authority must make sure, whenever appropriate, that conditions provide for the preservation or planting of trees (Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 197). In England, a temporary stop notice may be used for a breach of a planning condition requiring physical tree protection (GOV.UK planning practice guidance).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • CheckIn the United States, tree protection on building sites is set by the city or county tree ordinance, not by a national rule. For example, the City of San Mateo, California, sets a tree protection zone around protected trees, asks for a tree protection plan from an ISA Certified Arborist where work cannot stay out of it, and does not issue a building permit until protection is installed. Check your own city or county arborist's rules.
    Shown when “Where is the site?” is “United States”
  • CheckUse your own country's planning and tree protection rules. This form gives the structure only.
    Shown when “Where is the site?” is “Other country”

Trees and root protection areas

  • GuidanceAdd an area for each part of the site with trees, then each tree inside it with its tag number from the tree survey. Copy the root protection area from the arboricultural report.
  • Areas with trees
    Repeat for each area. Each one asks:
    • Area of the site*Short answer

      For example north boundary, plots 1 to 3.

    • Trees in this area
      Repeat for each tree. Each one asks:
      • Tree ID (tag number)*Short answer

        As on the tree survey and the plan, for example T12.

      • Scan the tree tagScan a label: tree tag number

        Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.

      • Species*Short answer
      • Status*Choose one
        • Retained
        • Retained: off site (neighbour or street)
        • To be removed
      • Legal protectionChoose one
        • Tree Preservation Order
        • In a conservation area
        • Not protected
        • Not known
      • StemsChoose one
        • Single stem
        • Multi-stem
      • Stem diameter (mm)Number

        Measured at 1.5 m above ground for a single stem, as in the tree survey.

      • Root protection area radius (m), from the reportNumber

        From the arboricultural report. One council's guidance describes the starting RPA as a circle of radius 12 times the stem diameter for a single stem; the report may adjust it.

        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Root protection area (m²), from the reportNumber
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • RPA shape on the planChoose one
        • Circle
        • Adjusted shape of equal area
        • Not shown
        Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
      • Retention category from the tree surveyShort answer

        As the arboricultural report gives it.

      • Tree work agreed before constructionNotes

        For example crown lift to 4 m over the access, or none.

      • Position (GPS)Short answer
      • Photos of the tree and its protectionPhotos
      • t_keptWorked out by the form
    • Trees in this areaWorked out by the form
    • Retained trees hereWorked out by the form
    • a_protectedWorked out by the form
    • Protective fencing specification*Notes

      As the arboricultural report or plan sets it: type, height, bracing, fixing and the line it follows.

    • Length of fencing (m)Number
    • Date fencing installedDate
    • Ground protection needed?Yes or No
    • Ground protection specification and whereNotes

      As the report sets it, for example for an access route or scaffold inside the RPA.

      Shown when “Ground protection needed?” is Yes
    • No-dig or special construction areas?Yes or No
    • No-dig areas and the methodNotes

      For example a no-dig cellular confinement path within the RPA of T4, to the method statement.

      Shown when “No-dig or special construction areas?” is Yes
    • Construction exclusion zoneNotes

      What is fenced off, and what may not happen inside it.

    • Signs on the fencing?Yes or No
    • Photos of the fencing and protection as installedPhotos
  • Trees recordedWorked out by the form
  • Retained treesWorked out by the form
  • Trees with a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation areaWorked out by the form
  • Protective fencing (m)Worked out by the form
  • GuidanceRoot protection areas. Leeds City Council's guidance says RPAs are first plotted as a circle centred on the base of the stem, and where rooting is likely to be uneven, as a shape of the same area. Roots are damaged by crushing and compaction from vehicles and stored materials, excavation, spilled fuel, oil and chemicals, changes in ground level and new hard surfaces (Malvern Hills District Council).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceProtected trees (England). A Tree Preservation Order prohibits cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction without the local planning authority's written consent, and cutting roots needs consent too in the Secretary of State's view. Consent is not needed for work that is necessary to implement a full planning permission, but it is if only outline permission has been granted or the permission has expired. Trees in a conservation area without an Order need a section 211 notice 6 weeks before work, unless an exception applies. Contravening an Order is an offence and may lead to a fine.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Site measures and supervision plan

  • Measures in the planTick all that apply
    • Protective fencing before any demolition or site clearance
    • Ground protection on access routes
    • Site compound and storage outside root protection areas
    • Services and drains routed outside RPAs or laid trenchless
    • No-dig construction where agreed
    • Hand digging near roots where agreed
    • Fuel, cement and chemicals stored away from trees
    • Scaffold and cranes planned around crowns
    • Pre-start meeting with the arboriculturist
    • Fencing removed only at the end, with agreement
    • Other (describe)
  • Compound and storage locationShort answer
  • Site access routeShort answer
  • Pre-start meeting dateDate
  • Date the arboriculturist checked the fencingDate
  • Arboricultural supervision schedule
    Repeat for each task. Each one asks:
    • Task or stage*Short answer

      For example fencing sign-off, digging the drain trench near T7.

    • Who supervisesShort answer
    • WhenShort answer

      For example before demolition, during the dig.

  • Site contact responsible for tree protectionShort answer
  • How site workers are told about the protectionNotes

    For example site induction slide, plan on the cabin wall.

Site checks

  • GuidanceAdd a dated check each time the tree protection is inspected. Photograph anything that needs action, and add it to the actions.
  • Site checks
    Repeat for each check. Each one asks:
    • Check date*Date
    • Checked by*Short answer
    • Type of check*Choose one
      • Routine site check
      • After works near trees
      • After a reported breach
      • Arboriculturist visit
      • Council officer visit
    • Protective fencing in place, on the line shown on the planChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Fencing intact, joined and braced, not moved or openedChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No storage of materials, spoil, plant or fuel inside root protection areasChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No excavation, trenching or change in ground level inside root protection areasChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No vehicles or plant driven or parked inside root protection areasChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Ground protection in place and undamaged where neededChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No fires, concrete washout or spills near treesChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Signs on the fencing present and readableChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No new damage to stems, branches or exposed rootsChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • No-dig areas and supervised work done to the method statementChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Trees or areas affectedShort answer

      Tag numbers and area, for example T3 and T4, north boundary.

    • PhotosPhotos
    • Walk Cam: tree protection walkWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

      Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

    • NotesNotes
    • tc_issuesWorked out by the form
    • tc_not_checkedWorked out by the form
    • Result of this checkWorked out by the form
  • Checks recordedWorked out by the form
  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Checks with something to fixWorked out by the form

Arboricultural supervision visits

  • Supervision visits
    Repeat for each visit. Each one asks:
    • Visit date*Date
    • Arboriculturist*Short answer
    • Purpose*Choose one
      • Pre-start meeting
      • Fencing and ground protection sign-off
      • Supervising work in a root protection area
      • Routine monitoring visit
      • After a breach
      • Agreeing removal of protection
    • Trees coveredShort answer
    • Findings*Notes
    • Instructions givenNotes
    • PhotosPhotos
    • Next visit dueDate
  • Visits recordedWorked out by the form

Result, actions and sign-off

  • Items still needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Urgent: same day
      • Within 2 days
      • Before the next check
      • Before handover
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Protection in place as planned
    • Work can continue once the listed actions are done
    • Stop work near the trees until put right
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Site manager nameShort answer
  • Site manager signature*Signature
  • Project arboriculturist nameShort answer
  • Project arboriculturist signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed tree protection plan report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Tree protection plan FAQs

What does a tree protection plan show?

Malvern Hills District Council's guidance on BS 5837:2012 describes it as a scale plan showing proposed and existing buildings, all retained trees on and next to the site with their root protection areas and crown spreads, the protective fences or barriers and how they are built, where plant and materials are stored, drainage runs, roads and driveways, accesses and other features that may affect the trees. The arboriculturist draws it; this form records it on site and the checks against it.

Source: Malvern Hills District Council, BS 5837 (2012) Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction.

How is the root protection area worked out?

Malvern Hills District Council's guidance describes it as a circle centred on the tree, with a radius twelve times the stem diameter at breast height for a single-stemmed tree, or ten times the basal diameter above the root flare for a multi-stemmed tree. Leeds City Council's guidance adds that where rooting is likely to be uneven, it is drawn as a different shape of the same area. The form does not calculate it: copy the radius and area from your arboricultural report.

Sources: Malvern Hills District Council, BS 5837 (2012) Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction and Leeds City Council, tree survey guidance note (PDF).

Do I need consent to work near a protected tree?

In England, a Tree Preservation Order prohibits cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or wilful destruction without the council's written consent, and the government's view is that cutting roots needs consent too. Consent is not needed for work that is necessary to implement a full planning permission, but it is if only outline permission has been granted. Trees in a conservation area without an Order need 6 weeks' notice to the council before work, unless an exception applies.

Sources: GOV.UK planning practice guidance, Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas and Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 211, trees in conservation areas.

Why do councils ask for tree protection in planning conditions?

Section 197 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 says the local planning authority must make sure, whenever appropriate, that planning permissions make adequate provision for the preservation or planting of trees by conditions. GOV.UK guidance adds that a temporary stop notice may be used for a breach of a planning condition requiring physical tree protection. Record the condition's own wording in the form so each point can be checked on site.

Sources: Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 197, planning permission and the preservation of trees and GOV.UK planning practice guidance, Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas.

Can I use it in the US?

Yes, for the structure, but the rules are local. Tree protection on US building sites is set by the city or county tree ordinance. For example, the City of San Mateo, California, sets a tree protection zone around protected trees, asks for a tree protection plan from an ISA Certified Arborist where work cannot stay out of it, and does not issue a building permit until the protection is installed. Check your own city or county arborist's rules.

Source: City of San Mateo, California, tree protection requirements during construction.

Can I record a tree protection inspection with it?

Yes. Each dated check has ten items, from fencing on the line drawn on the plan to no storage, digging, vehicles or spills inside root protection areas, with a reason for anything needing action, photos and a Walk Cam walk-round. The arboriculturist's visits are recorded separately with findings and instructions, and actions carry an owner, a due date and a status.

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