Aboricultural Implication Study or Pre-Development Assessment

An Arboricultural Implication Study (AIS) is a type of tree survey that considers how a proposed development and its associated trees will mix with the current and future landscape. An AIS is a document that many Local Planning Authorities (LPA) are now requesting as part of a planning application so that important trees are protected from any possible infringement. 

They also need to ensure that future issues, such as the long term effects of changing a surface level or the future need to prune or remove trees are addressed and avoided.

The carrying out of an AIS is recommended at an early stage within the planning process as it can identify and remove potential conflicts between the trees and the requirements of the development.  This can save the planners time and money and importantly other important features such as ancient hedgerows and special habitats can be identified at this early stage. 

Items to consider during an AIS:

• Tree root protection (distances, engineering specifications)
• Changes in levels
• Changes in surfaces
• Installation and layout of services
• Demolition of existing buildings, surfaces
• Exposure due to tree removal
• Sunlight and shading
• Construction site access
• Construction site layout (offices, parking)
• Construction site materials storage
• Fruit production (fouling footpaths)
• Planting (species selection e.g  thorns near footpaths)
• Insects (honeydew), birds, bats

An AIS may also need to contain copies (or extracts) of site plans, tree survey schedules, diagrams, photographs, draft copy of a method statement.

Our validation checklists offer more information on what documents you need when submitting any planning application relating to trees.