20 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Arboricultural Consultant for Your Planning Application

When planning a development project, ensuring that your arboricultural requirements are managed effectively is crucial for securing planning permission and protecting the natural environment. Hiring a qualified arboricultural consultant can save you time, meet compliance standards, and avoid costly delays. But how do you know if a consultant is right for your needs?

Here are 20 essential questions to ask before hiring an arboricultural consultant to ensure you’re making the best choice for your project. This guide covers everything from qualifications and experience to costs and communication, helping you find the right partner for a seamless planning process.

1. Are you suitably qualified to produce arboricultural reports that meet planning application requirements?
Yes, Paul Holly our senior arboricultural consultant is fully qualified to produce professional arboricultural reports that meet planning application requirements.
Paul studied at the prestigious Merrist Wood College, Surrey (UK), and holds a Diploma in Arboriculture. Paul has been working in the arboricultural industry since 2005. He has extensive practical experience working in Australia, the US, and Ireland with an outstanding record of tree care in his 20+ years of professional arboricultural work.

2. Do you have experience with large-scale development projects in Ireland?
Yes, Holly Arboriculture has worked on diverse projects, including a Distillery extension, a mixed-use development in Cork city, and the Flood Relief Scheme in County Laois. This experience ensures our ability to handle complex projects effectively.

3. Are you familiar with local planning regulations and standards, such as BS5837 surveys?
Yes, we have extensive knowledge of Irish and UK planning regulations and are experts in producing BS5837- compliant reports, ensuring all documentation meets required standards.

4. Can you provide calculations for carbon sequestration or tree replacement standards?

Yes, at Holly Arboriculture, we can calculate the carbon sequestration potential of trees on your site, helping you meet sustainability goals or support environmental assessments for planning applications. Additionally, we provide tree replacement standard calculations to ensure compliance with local authority requirements or to enhance your site’s ecological value. These calculations can be integrated into our arboricultural reports to align with your project’s environmental objectives.

5. Can you carry out a planning-compliant tree survey within a tight deadline?
Yes, we specialise in delivering high-quality surveys and reports promptly, even under tight timeframes.

6. Do you provide detailed arboricultural reports and drawings for planning applications?
Yes, Holly Arboriculture provides detailed, professional arboricultural reports and high-quality drawings specifically designed to support planning applications. Our reports are comprehensive, including planning-compliant tree surveys, arboricultural impact assessments, and tailored recommendations to meet the needs of your project.

We use industry-standard CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to produce precise and visually clear drawings. These drawings ensure that all tree-related considerations are accurately represented and easy for planning authorities, architects, and engineers to interpret.

7. Do your services include consultation with planning authorities, architects, or engineers?
Yes, at Holly Arboriculture, our services include consultation with planning authorities, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in your project. We work collaboratively to ensure that tree-related aspects are seamlessly integrated into the overall planning and design process.

8. How quickly can you start working on my project?
At Holly Arboriculture, we understand the importance of meeting tight project deadlines. We can typically start working on your project within a few days, depending on the scope and complexity. For urgent projects, we prioritise scheduling to ensure a swift response and efficient delivery of planning-compliant tree surveys, reports, and drawings. Contact us with your project details, and we’ll confirm a start date that aligns with your timeline.

9. What is your process for conducting tree surveys and producing reports?

At Holly Arboriculture, we follow a clear, structured process to ensure all tree surveys and reports meet the highest standards and are tailored to your planning application needs:

1. 1. Initial Consultation: We begin by discussing your project requirements, deadlines, and any specific concerns. We also review the site location, layout plans, and any relevant planning documentation.
   2. Site Visit: Our qualified arboricultural consultant conducts a comprehensive on-site tree survey. Using tools like GPS devices, we record detailed data on tree species, dimensions, health, condition, and constraints in accordance with BS5837 standards.
   3. Data Analysis: Back in the office, we analyse the survey data and assess the impact of your proposed development on the trees. This includes evaluating tree retention opportunities, potential conflicts, and tree protection needs.
   4. CAD Drawings: Using industry-standard CAD software, we produce precise and visually clear drawings, such as:
   o Tree Constraints Plan: Showing root protection areas and canopy spreads.
   o Tree Protection Plan: Outlining measures to safeguard retained trees during construction.
   o Other relevant plans as required for your planning application.
   5. Report Preparation: We compile all findings into a detailed, planning-compliant arboricultural report. The report includes:
   o Tree survey schedule.
   o Arboricultural impact assessment.
   o Recommendations for tree management and mitigation.
   o Guidance for tree protection and construction activities.
   6. Client Review and Submission: We share the report and drawings with you for review. Once approved, the documentation is ready for submission as part of your planning application.
   7. Follow-Up Support: If needed, we liaise with planning authorities, architects, or other stakeholders to address queries or provide additional information.
   This structured process ensures that your project’s arboricultural needs are fully addressed, and all deliverables are completed efficiently and to a professional standard.

10. How will you keep me updated throughout the project?
We provide regular progress updates, notify you of key milestones, and assign a dedicated consultant for consistent communication.

11. Are you available for follow-up questions or revisions if the planning authorities require changes?
Yes, we remain fully available to address planning authority queries or make necessary revisions to reports or drawings.

12. Can you provide examples of similar projects you’ve completed?
Yes, Holly Arboriculture has successfully completed numerous projects. Here are a few examples:
1. Distillery Building Extension, County Cork
We conducted a BS5837-compliant tree survey and prepared detailed arboricultural reports and CAD drawings to support the planning application for this large-scale commercial extension.
2. Road Improvement Scheme, County Cork
We undertook a large-scale tree survey and produced a comprehensive arboricultural report and drawings for a feasibility study. This involved collaborating with engineers, ecologists, and project designers.
3. Mixed-Use Development, Cork City
For a significant development involving apartment blocks, retail outlets, and landscaping, we provided a full range of arboricultural services, including a tree survey, impact assessment, and tree protection plans.
4. Flood Relief Scheme, County Laois 
We carried out a detailed tree risk assessment for this infrastructure project, ensuring trees were effectively managed while mitigating risks to the surrounding environment.
These projects highlight our experience in working with property developers, architects, and engineers on large-scale developments, delivering planning-compliant arboricultural reports and drawings to the highest standards. We’d be happy to discuss these examples in more detail or provide additional case studies.

13. Are there testimonials or case studies from other property developers or planning consultants?
Yes, visit our case studies to read about successful collaborations, including a golf course tree assessment and a city hotel woodland project.

14. How much do your tree survey and report services cost?
Our fees are tailored to each project’s scope, size, and complexity. To provide an accurate and competitive quote, we recommend discussing your specific project details with us. This allows us to assess your needs and offer a tailored proposal that aligns with your budget and project goals. Please contact us directly at info@hollyarb.ie to arrange a consultation.

15. Are there additional charges for expedited services or specific drawings?
Yes, there may be additional charges for expedited services or specific drawings, depending on the requirements of your project. We always discuss these factors upfront and provide a clear, detailed quote so you know exactly what to expect. If you have specific needs, feel free to contact us to discuss them, and we’ll ensure our services meet your requirements while staying within budget.

16. What’s included in your pricing?
At Holly Arboriculture, our pricing is designed to provide comprehensive arboricultural services tailored to your project’s needs. Our standard package includes:
• Initial Consultation: We discuss your project requirements, timelines, and specific concerns to understand your objectives fully.
• Site Visit and Tree Survey: A qualified arboricultural consultant conducts an on-site survey, assessing tree species, dimensions, health, and condition in accordance with BS5837 standards.
• Data Analysis: We analyse the collected data to evaluate the impact of your proposed development on existing trees, considering factors like tree retention opportunities and potential conflicts.
• Comprehensive Report: We prepare a detailed, planning-compliant arboricultural report.
• CAD Drawings: Using industry-standard CAD software, we produce precise drawings such as Tree Constraints Plans and Tree Protection Plans to visually support your planning application.
• Client Review and Revisions: We share drafts for your review and incorporate feedback to ensure the final documents meet your expectations.
• Ongoing Support: We remain available for follow-up questions or revisions, especially if planning authorities require changes.
Please note that additional services, such as expedited delivery or specialized drawings, may incur extra charges. We provide a clear, detailed quote upfront, outlining all included services and any optional extras, so you have a complete understanding of the costs involved.

17. Do you operate in both Cork and Dublin?
Yes, we provide arboricultural services across Ireland, including Cork and Dublin, ensuring local expertise and timely support.

18. How can I get in touch with you quickly to discuss my project?
You can get in touch with Holly Arboriculture quickly through the following methods:
1. Phone: Call us directly at +353 87 2811 590 for immediate assistance.
2. Email: Send your project details to info@hollyarb.ie and we’ll respond promptly.
3. Contact Form: Visit our website at www.hollyarb.ie and complete the contact form. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
For urgent inquiries or tight deadlines, we recommend calling us directly for the fastest response. We look forward to discussing your project and providing the arboricultural support you need.

19. Do you offer an initial consultation or site visit, and is it free?
Yes, we offer an initial consultation to discuss your project needs. Site visits may be complimentary for larger projects.

20. What information do you need from me to get started immediately?

Provide details such as:

• Project description and deadlines
• Site location and layout plans
• Access and contact information

 

By asking the right questions and choosing the right consultant, you can streamline your planning application process while ensuring high-quality results. Contact Holly Arboriculture today to learn how we can support your project.