In the UK, planning decisions must take all existing trees into account. This is known as a material consideration. One of the aspects to consider is the rooting area of trees that will be kept as part of new development work. It’s important to protect the space and make sure work in the area is done sensitively.
According to BS 5382:2012
Existing trees are an important factor on construction sites, whether on or near
the working areas, and trees are a material consideration in the UK planning system
Root systems, stems and canopies, with allowance for future movement and growth, need to be taken into account in all projects, including those that do not require planning permission.
During their lifetime, trees will be vulnerable to disturbance, injury, environmental changes, pests and diseases.
Construction work often exerts pressures on existing trees, as do changes in their immediate environment following the construction.
A tree that has taken many decades to reach maturity can be damaged irreparably in a few minutes by actions that might be unwitting, negligent or wilful.
Failure to comply, ignorance or ignoring root protection areas, can lead to:
• Serious fines
• Holting of development
• Extensive Amelioration cost
• Addtional red tape
• Change of design
The root protection...
area only covers the critical roots the tree needs to survive. The loss of non ciritical root structures can and does stress trees. When construction vehicles and equipment pass closely to the Root Protection Area, they negatively impact the soil environment through compaction and damage to any near-surface roots—ultimately endangering the structural integrity of the tree.
The Vogt Geo Injector can help by:
• Decompacting the Soil
• Adding Drainage
• Improving Soil Aeration
• The injection of enriched biochar directly to the tree root system in the root protection area
This improves tree health, which in turn helps fight diseases and infections.
Returning the tree to full leaf.
Tree Officer
• Specify the most effective method of decompaction, 65cm depth directly to the root ball
• Faster and less cost vs Air Spade
• Less disturbance
• Microbiome stays intact
Tree Consultant
• Specify the most effective method of decompaction, 65cm depth directly to the root ball
• Faster and less cost vs Air Spade
• Less disturbance
• Microbiome stays intact
Developer Benefits
• Cost vs Air Spading
• Reduction of red tape
• Ability to move on with the development
• A happy tree officer