Do You Need a Tree Survey for Land Planning?

There are several vital elements of land planning, and a tree survey is one important aspect of your project. Through a tree survey for land planning, you’re able to make informed decisions and foster sustainable development. It also helps ensure you’re complying with local regulations.

At Ballentine Associates, we believe that your vision deserves the best possible team on your side. We have over 45 years of experience helping developers successfully navigate challenges associated with land development. We’re much more than a vendor. We have a vested interest in your project, and we’d love to hear more about it. Ready to start planning? Let’s have a conversation about how we can help you.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at tree surveys and five situations where they can be a required part of your planning.

But first, let’s take a closer look at what is involved in a tree survey.

What Is a Tree Survey?

During a tree survey, we take a detailed inventory of trees within the specified area, examining their location, diameter and health. It’s also an opportunity for us to identify any trees that are legally protected. All this information assists you in planning and developing your project. The data guides land management, construction and planning, as well as environmental protection.

When Would You Need a Tree Survey for Land Planning?

There are several instances when you would need a tree survey for land planning. We’ll take a closer, in-depth look at 5 reasons.

5 Reasons for a Land Planning Tree Survey

First, it’s critical to realize that tree survey requirements are set by local municipalities and governments. There is no nationwide set of rules. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the regulations in your area.

Tree surveys for land planning development may be needed if:

1. A tree survey is required by a local municipality to identify “significant”, “specimen”, “rare”, or “heritage” trees as designated in their tree protection ordinance.

For many municipalities, a tree survey is required to validate permits. So if any trees are located at your development, a close examination is critical.

2. If there are attractive and healthy trees on a project site that would enhance the beauty and feel of the completed project.

There are sometimes beautiful trees on a site that would be worth designing around so they can be preserved and become part of the finished project, regardless of whether preservation of those trees is required by ordinance or not.

3. Endangered trees are present

If the trees on the property fall under the Endangered Species Act, you must evaluate how development will affect both the trees and their habitats.  

4. Your project involves federal funding

If your project involves a federal permit or any type of federal funding, you may need to check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries. This is a preventative measure to help ensure your project is not endangering certain species and the habitats they support.

5. Some violations have already taken place

In many cases, a permit is required to remove trees. If they have been removed without a permit, you may need to have a retroactive tree survey in order to avoid additional penalties. However, these rules and penalties vary from state to state and even among municipalities, so it’s important to consult with an experienced team like those at Ballentine Associates before removing any trees. 

What Happens During a Tree Survey

During a tree survey, we carefully examine the site, walking throughout the entire area, recording every tree that falls within the local regulations. Whether or not a tree must be documented often depends upon the trunk diameter and sometimes whether the tree is evergreen or deciduous. But as we’ve mentioned earlier, the criteria will differ depending on the municipality. 

Some of the information we gather includes:

• The tree species
• Trunk diameter at breast height (DBH)
• The crown spread (the canopy or dripline of each tree)
• Condition
• The precise location

Ballentine Associates: Where Unwavering Principles Meet Experience and Excellence

Our professional staff has the experience, technology and work ethic to help with your latest project, so you can be free from worry while we handle the details.

But this is only part of the picture. We frame everything we do based upon the principles of integrity, high ethics, and exceptional client service. You’re not just hiring a firm, you’re working with a company that is genuinely invested in your success at every step of the project. 

Have you ever felt like your vendor wasn’t listening to you? You won’t have to be concerned about that with Ballentine Associates. We also realize that quality service begins with listening. We invite you to talk to us so we can learn more about your project.