BS5837 vs BS3998 Part 1: Which Tree Standard Applies to Your Project?
Green Horizon b7 6 min read
The confusion: you are working on a construction project. Someone mentions BS5837. Your arborist mentions BS3998. Your site manager asks which one you need to follow.
The answer: probably both, but they cover different things.
BS5837: Trees in Relation to Construction
What it covers: trees near development and construction sites, how to assess trees during planning and design, protection measures during construction, root protection areas, and tree retention and removal decisions.
Who needs it: developers, construction companies, architects and planners, and anyone building near existing trees.
Key purpose: ensure trees are properly considered in development projects and protected during construction.
BS3998: Tree Work Recommendations
What it covers: best practice for tree care and maintenance, pruning techniques and standards, tree removal methods, safety requirements for tree work, and equipment and qualifications needed.
Who needs it: tree surgeons and arborists, contractors carrying out tree work, and anyone specifying or managing tree operations.
Key purpose: ensure tree work is done safely, professionally, and in line with industry best practice.
How They Work Together
Think of it this way:
- BS5837: which trees need work, and how do we protect them during construction?
- BS3998: how do we actually carry out that tree work safely and properly?
Example scenario
You are building a housing development:
- BS5837 stage: an arboricultural survey identifies trees, assesses which can be retained, designs protection measures, and specifies which trees need pruning or removal.
- BS3998 stage: tree surgeons carry out the pruning or removal work following best practice techniques.
Special case: highway projects
Section 154 of the Highways Act covers trees near public highways. This can create situations where BS5837 applies, BS3998 applies, but compliance is not always possible. Practical constraints like live traffic, traffic management windows, and safety priorities can override ideal tree care practices.
The key is documenting and justifying where best practice cannot be fully achieved.
Do tree surveys expire?
Yes, and this is a BS5837 requirement. Desktop surveys are suitable for initial planning only. Site specific surveys are typically needed within 12 months of construction starting, and long or phased projects often need re surveying before each phase.
What to do next
Want this assessed properly on your project?
Email us with your site location, programme dates, and what work is planned. We will tell you what applies and what you need next.