Woody plants survey

Planning to start design works but trees and shrubs grow on your property and the value of those need to be determined before design work begins.
During a woody plants survey, the species composition of the trees and shrubs on the site is examined, and measurements such as trunk diameter at breast height, canopy diameter, height are taken; health condition, importance, and decorativeness are noted. The inventory includes both fieldwork and paperwork. During the fieldwork, measurements of the woody plants are taken (identifying the species, measuring necessary parameters, and noting health condition and various values). In the digitalization phase, all information collected during the fieldwork is included and formulated into a report, containing an explanatory letter, a list of inventoried objects, and a drawing.

Mostly, trees are measured and examined individually; but sometimes, it’s justified to examine the trees as groups when detailed information is not necessary; occasionally, a combination of both in different parts of the area is optimal. The inventory describes the trees and greenery based on its value, functionality, and significance for the area in our interest, and provides recommendations and guidelines for the maintenance and felling of greenery.

Typically, the requirement for a woody plants survey is determined by the local government. This kind of site investigation is usually required before design phase in those areas where woody plants are located. Such cases where the woody plants survey is needed may be for example the processes of detailed planning, obtaining building permits and construction notices, and different kind of excavation work. Essentially, this means that woody plants survey is needed before designing civil engineering works (including utility networks), adding an extension to a building, and reconstruction works.

The best time to involve a landscape architect for conducting the woody plants survey is when the topo-geodetic base plan is completed. It is important to conduct all the necessary site investigations before the design phase starts. This allows the design phase to start correctly and provides a valuable input to the success of the project and the application procedure of the building permit.

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