Trees often become a problem when you are trying to move a bigger decision forward. You might be planning an extension, a new access, or a redevelopment and suddenly find that trees on or near the site affect what is possible. Even when the work itself seems modest, planning requirements can introduce uncertainty if the council asks for tree information and you are not sure what to provide.
Protected trees can increase the pressure. If you suspect a Tree Preservation Order applies, or you are in an area where extra controls may exist, it can be difficult to know what is permitted. People often worry that a simple mistake could lead to enforcement action, delays, or neighbour disputes.
Neighbour concerns can also escalate quickly. Boundary trees are a common source of disagreement, particularly where one party fears damage, nuisance, or safety issues. In these situations, having an independent, evidence-led assessment can help reduce uncertainty and keep discussions practical.
Safety and duty of care concerns are another frequent driver. If a tree is close to a building, driveway, footpath, parking area, or anywhere people regularly use, it is normal to want reassurance. Landlords, managing agents, and organisations may also need clear records that demonstrate they are managing tree risk responsibly.
If insurers are involved due to cracking or movement, the uncertainty can grow again. You may be asked for specialist input and not know what is needed or how decisions will be viewed later.
MDJAC supports clients in Cobham by assessing trees and providing clear advice and documentation where required, helping decisions move forward with less guesswork.
An arboricultural consultant helps you make informed decisions about trees, especially when your decision needs to stand up to external scrutiny.
The process begins with understanding the situation. A consultant inspects the trees and their surroundings, then explains what the findings mean for you. This may involve identifying constraints for a project, clarifying likely risks, or explaining the practical options for managing a tree.
The key outcome is clarity. You should be able to understand what action is recommended, why it is recommended, and what the consequences of different options may be.
Where planning is involved, councils commonly ask for tree information aligned with recognised UK guidance for development sites, often referred to as BS5837. These documents help explain impacts, retention opportunities, and how retained trees will be protected during construction.
Where safety is the concern, a structured tree risk assessment helps prioritise action and provides a clear written record, which supports defensible duty of care decisions.
The right level of detail depends on your goals and what third parties require. The focus should always be on proportionate work that answers the real question you are facing.
This service is commonly used by:
Homeowners planning extensions, garden redesigns, access changes, or property purchases where trees are a concern
Landlords and managing agents who need documented recommendations and clear records for tenant and visitor safety
Developers, architects, and planning consultants needing tree input to support feasibility, layout, and planning submissions
Commercial property managers and estates responsible for trees near buildings and public-facing areas
Anyone dealing with councils or insurers where tree evidence is required to support an application, a decision, or an investigation
Planning validation requires tree information and you want to avoid delays
Planning conditions require tree protection measures before works begin
You need early feasibility advice to avoid redesign once tree constraints are confirmed
A protected tree issue has arisen and you need guidance on the correct process
A neighbour dispute is developing and you want an independent assessment
You are responsible for trees near areas used by residents, staff, or the public and need a documented approach to safety
Trees are being considered in relation to cracking, movement, or subsidence concerns raised by an insurer
You want a coherent management plan rather than reactive, ad-hoc decisions
Scope varies depending on what you need, but a typical service often includes:
Initial discussion to clarify the issue, your objective, and any council or insurer requirements
Site visit to inspect relevant trees and constraints
Clear written advice explaining findings and options
Planning-related arboricultural documentation where required for submissions or conditions
Tree risk assessment documentation where duty of care is the driver
Practical recommendations that can be shared with designers, contractors, councils, neighbours, or insurers
Where appropriate, work can be staged so that early advice supports design decisions before more detailed documentation is prepared.
You should receive outputs that help you act and help others understand the situation clearly. Typical deliverables include:
A written report that explains findings in plain English, supported by appropriate technical detail
Planning-ready documentation where required, structured to support review
Risk assessment records with prioritised recommendations
Clear next steps so you know what to do now, what can be monitored, and what information to share with stakeholders
When trees affect planning, safety, or property decisions, most clients want three things: progress, practical guidance, and confidence that decisions are defensible.
Clear tree documentation can reduce avoidable back-and-forth during planning and make it easier to respond to questions or conditions.
Recommendations should be realistic, clear, and easy for homeowners and project teams to implement without confusion.
Tree risk decisions should be sensible and balanced. A structured approach helps you prioritise action and maintain records that support responsible management.
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
A tree surgeon carries out physical tree work. A consultant inspects trees, advises on options, and provides reports or plans needed for planning, compliance, or decision-making.
This depends on the proposal and site constraints. Where trees may be affected, councils often request tree survey information and documents explaining impacts and protection measures.
Where appropriate, support can include explaining constraints and what information may be required for applications or discussions.
No consultant can guarantee an outcome. The aim is to provide clear, evidence-led information that reduces uncertainty and supports better decisions.
The tree and its surroundings are assessed, then recommendations are prioritised to help you manage risk proportionately. Written records support duty of care.
Where instructed, arboricultural input can form part of wider investigations into cracking, movement, or subsidence concerns alongside other evidence.