Ross Webster Tree Services

Construction

What do the four BS5837 tree categories mean?

23 July 2026

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By Ross Webster

A BS5837 tree survey sorts every tree on your site into one of four categories. Each one triggers a different action on site.

Category U — Remove
Trees that must come out. Dead, dangerous, or in the way of the approved building footprint. These removals happen before construction begins. We are usually the first crew on site.
Category A — Retain and protect
High value trees that must be kept. We put up fencing and root protection zone barriers around them. Plant cannot go near them. This protection stays in place for the duration of the build.
Category B — Retain where possible
Good quality trees worth keeping. They might need pruning or crown reduction to clear space, but they come down only if they conflict with the final layout.
Category C — Low priority
Low value trees. They do not need to stay. If they are blocking an access route or a foundation, we remove them. Often the first to go when space is tight.

The survey dictates the plan. Our job is to carry out that plan safely and efficiently.

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