“Protecting trees is not just good for the environment, it is also good for your business.”
When it comes to tree surveys and reports, especially the BS5837 tree survey, there is often a lot of focus on the upfront cost. Price depends on the number of trees, the site location and the complexity of the project. However, what isn’t always discussed are the hidden or opportunity costs of not doing a proper tree survey. The consequences of skipping or neglecting this crucial step can lead to unexpected delays and even damage to the project’s reputation.
The True Cost of Skipping a BS5837 Tree Survey and Report
While some might see the cost of hiring an arboricultural consultant like Holly Arboriculture as an additional expense, it’s important to consider the potential risks of not conducting a BS5837 tree survey, which could lead to much higher costs down the road. Here are a few examples of the hidden costs associated with bypassing the report:
1. Delays in the Construction Stage
Without a proper tree survey, you may encounter unforeseen tree-related issues that could delay construction. This could include last-minute changes to the building plans due to the presence of protected trees or discovering that trees need to be relocated or pruned. These delays can add to your project’s timeline, costing additional labour, equipment, and overhead expenses.
2. Legal and Regulatory Costs
A BS5837 tree survey and report ensures compliance with recommendations concerning tree protection. Failure to comply with these recommendations can result in fines, specifically if any of the trees in the survey have been marked as a TPO (Tree Preservation Order). A TPO is a written order which, in general, makes it criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, willfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by that order, or to cause or permit such actions, without the authority’s permission.
3. Damaging the Trees
One of the most significant hidden costs involves damaging the trees during construction. Trees that are damaged due to lack of protection measures could require expensive mitigation plans or, in the worst-case scenario, need to be removed entirely. This can also affect the overall aesthetic value and environmental integrity of the site.
4. Environmental Impact and Long-term Consequences
Failing to follow BS5837 recommendations can harm the local ecosystem, with long-term consequences for biodiversity, water management, and soil health. This could not only harm the environment but can also lead to increased maintenance costs in the future as the local ecosystem struggles to recover.
5. Reputation Damage
In the age of social media and growing public awareness of environmental concerns, your project’s reputation is everything. Failing to conduct a BS5837 tree survey report or having visible damage to trees and green spaces could turn your project into a public relations nightmare. The impact on future projects and opportunities could be substantial.
Example Case: Tree Protection
Let’s consider the example of a construction project with no tree protection measures in place. In this scenario, the contractor might unknowingly damage tree roots or harm tree canopies, which can severely compromise the health of the trees. As a result, not only could there be a delay in project timelines as new protective measures are implemented, but costly damage to trees may require mitigation and replanting.
In contrast, a BS5837 tree survey would have identified the appropriate tree protection measures, helping prevent unnecessary damage and costly repairs. Contact us at info@hollyarb.ie to discuss your project and help you save money.
