Trees are often the quiet complication in property decisions. You might have a design ready to go, but planning raises questions about trees on site or nearby. You may be unsure whether a tree is protected, what the rules mean, and whether you are allowed to prune or remove it. If a neighbour objects, it can become stressful quickly, especially if you feel you are being asked to prove your position.
Safety concerns can also weigh heavily. If you manage a building or a site where the public has access, you may be worried about liability and whether your records would stand up if something went wrong. When property cracking or movement is involved, the pressure can increase again, especially when insurers request specialist input.
MDJ Arboricultural Consultancy supports homeowners, project teams, and property managers with clear, evidence-led advice and the documents that councils and other decision-makers expect.
In plain English, an arboricultural consultant looks at the trees, records what matters, and explains your options. You get clarity on what is practical, what is likely to be acceptable, and what paperwork you may need.
If planning is involved, the consultant’s role includes producing structured documents that explain how trees are affected, what can be retained, and how retained trees will be protected during construction. If risk is the concern, you get a structured assessment that helps you prioritise action and keep a clear record for duty of care.
MDJAC provides development support built around BS5837:2012 and produces the core planning documents used for submissions and conditions. Risk assessment work aligns to recognised methods such as ISA Tree Risk and Visual Tree Assessment, with options for full inventories or negative reporting where appropriate.
MDJAC works across domestic and commercial settings, supporting:
Homeowners dealing with protected trees, neighbour concerns, or planning uncertainty
Landlords and managing agents who need defensible decisions and clear records
Developers and design teams needing tree inputs to de-risk layouts and planning submissions
Estates, schools, housing associations, and commercial property managers managing duty of care at scale
Clients dealing with insurers and technical stakeholders where evidence needs to be clear
You need a tree survey and planning documents to support a planning submission
You want feasibility advice before fixing a layout around retained trees
Planning conditions require a Tree Protection Plan or method statement before work begins
A Tree Preservation Order issue needs careful handling and clear advice
You are managing trees near public areas and need duty of care documentation
An insurer has requested arboricultural input for subsidence or building damage questions
Depending on what you need, the service can include:
Quick triage to confirm the right scope and outputs
Site visit and data collection
BS5837-led development support, including AIA, TPP, and AMS where required
Risk assessments aligned to ISA Tree Risk and VTA, with flexible survey options
TPO application and local planning authority support as an agent, where appropriate
Subsidence-related input when instructed, contributing evidence-led recommendations
You receive documentation you can use to act, decide, and demonstrate due process:
A clear written report with practical recommendations
Planning documentation where needed, structured the way councils expect
Risk assessment records with prioritised actions and a defendable audit trail
Clear next steps for you and any stakeholders
MDJAC is an independent consultancy specialising in trees and the planning system across London and the south-east, with towns served including Teddington.
Development work is built around BS5837:2012 and validation requirements, producing AIA, TPP and AMS where required.
Benefit for you: fewer avoidable planning questions and smoother discharge of conditions.
Advice is designed to be easy to understand and implement, supported by a practical background and client feedback that highlights practical, responsive support.
Benefit for you: clearer decisions, less stress, and realistic recommendations.
Risk assessments align to recognised frameworks, with flexible approaches to suit single trees or large tree populations.
Benefit for you: proportionate risk management and better records for duty of care.
MDJAC’s lead consultant holds formal arboriculture qualifications and professional memberships including Professional Member of the Arboricultural Association, Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, and PTI accreditation.
Local insight that saves time
Horsham’s busy centre around The Carfax, Piries Place and Swan Walk demands smart scheduling to minimise disruption. Parking, deliveries and pedestrian routes shape how tree work is planned. Sites near Horsham Park and the River Arun require careful consideration of public use, habitat features and utilities. Developments around Broadbridge Heath and along the A24 and A264 benefit from early root protection planning and contractor briefings that keep construction moving. You get advice aligned to Horsham District validation requirements and on the ground realities, which means fewer clarification requests and faster progress.
As an independent consultancy, we act in your best interests. Your project benefits from 13 years of practical arboricultural experience, membership of respected professional bodies and complete alignment with BS5837:2012. From single tree assessments to complex, multi plot developments, you receive the same attention to detail and friendly, prompt communication.
Professional memberships and qualifications
How quickly can you tell me what I need for planning?
You can start with a call or email and share the validation list or planning portal link, then you will be guided to the right scope.
Do you provide Tree Protection Plans and method statements?
Yes, where required for development, including Tree Protection Plans and Arboricultural Method Statements.
Can you deal with protected trees?
Yes. MDJAC supports TPO matters, including applications and liaising with the local planning authority where appropriate.
What does a tree risk assessment give me?
A structured record of findings and prioritised recommendations to help you manage safety and liability sensibly.
Will you tell me to remove trees?
Recommendations are evidence-led and proportionate. Where retention is realistic, planning documents focus on protecting retained trees during works.
Can you support subsidence claims?
Yes, where instructed, contributing evidence-led vegetation management recommendations as part of a wider assessment.