Trees often become a challenge at the exact moment you need momentum. You may be preparing a planning submission, responding to planning conditions, or trying to confirm whether a proposed design is feasible without harming retained trees. At the same time, you may feel unsure about protected trees and what is permitted.
Neighbour concerns can add stress. Complaints about overhang, perceived risk, or property impacts can turn into conflict if there is no independent, evidence-led assessment to anchor the conversation. For organisations and property managers, the challenge is often duty of care and the need for defensible records when the public or residents have access to the site.
MDJ Arboricultural Consultancy provides independent arboricultural advice and documentation, specialising in trees and the planning system across London and the south-east, serving towns including Richmond.
In plain English, you get a professional assessment of the trees, a clear explanation of issues and options, and written outputs that match your situation. The focus is on reducing uncertainty so you can make decisions and show that those decisions are responsible.
Where planning is involved, arboricultural documentation helps councils and project teams understand impacts and tree protection measures. Where safety is involved, a structured risk assessment supports proportionate action, prioritisation, and record keeping.
MDJAC’s development work is built around BS5837:2012 and produces core planning documents such as AIA, TPP and AMS where required. Risk assessments align to recognised frameworks such as ISA Tree Risk and Visual Tree Assessment, with flexible survey options.
Homeowners dealing with protected trees, planning, or neighbour concerns
Landlords and agents needing documented, defensible decisions
Developers and design teams needing feasibility advice and planning documentation
Estates, schools, housing associations, and commercial sites managing duty of care
Clients dealing with insurers and technical processes such as subsidence investigations
Planning validation requires a council-ready tree package
You want early feasibility input to reduce redesign and planning risk
Planning conditions require Tree Protection Plans or method statements
A Tree Preservation Order application or objection needs professional support
You need a structured approach to tree risk and duty of care
An insurer has requested arboricultural input for cracking or subsidence concerns
Quick triage to confirm the right scope and avoid unnecessary work
Site visit and data collection proportionate to the issue
BS5837-led planning documentation including AIA, TPP and AMS where required
Risk assessments aligned to ISA Tree Risk and VTA with flexible survey options
TPO advice and support, including acting as an agent with the local planning authority where appropriate
Subsidence and building damage input where instructed, contributing evidence-led recommendations
You should finish the process with clear documentation and a confident path forward.
Typical outputs include:
A clear written report with practical recommendations and next steps
Planning documents structured for council review where required
Risk documentation with prioritised actions and defensible records
MDJAC’s approach is built around three client outcomes: clear planning progress, practical implementation, and proportionate risk control.
Built around BS5837:2012 and validation requirements, producing the key documents councils ask for.
Benefit for you: fewer avoidable delays and clearer discharge of conditions.
Advice is designed to be easy to understand and implement, reinforced by proof points that highlight practical, responsive support.
Benefit for you: decisions that feel clearer and easier to act on.
Risk work aligns to recognised frameworks, with flexible inventory options and scalable delivery.
Benefit for you: proportionate action and better records for duty of care.
MDJAC’s lead consultant holds formal 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
What if I only need advice, not a full report?
Start with a call or email and explain what you are trying to achieve. You will be guided to the most proportionate next step.
Do you provide planning documents for trees?
Yes, including the documents commonly requested for development and planning conditions.
Can you help with Tree Preservation Orders?
Yes, including acting as an agent with the local planning authority where appropriate.
How do risk assessments help with duty of care?
They provide a structured record and prioritised recommendations, supporting defensible decision-making.
Do you offer surveys for large sites?
Yes, with options such as full inventory and scalable delivery approaches.
Can you support subsidence investigations?
Yes, where instructed, contributing arboricultural input and recommendations as part of a wider assessment.