Under the Chestnut Tree

This is interesting :

 

And the root zone is almost also the only location on the plot where I can store things during the build
 

Most approvals have a specific clause about having to use fencing to BS5837 and not doing anything inside the area. 
 

Out of curiosity, is the RPA as measured on your plans or as defined ..?? It should be based on a circle of radius 12 times the diameter of the main stem measured at 1.5m above the ground. 
 

You may want to ask the arborist about the root area, specifically with in light of this clause. 
 

4.6.3 Any deviation in the RPA from the original circular plot should take account of the following factors whilst still providing adequate protection for the root system:
a) the morphology and disposition of the roots, when influenced by past or existing site conditions (e.g. the presence of roads, structures and underground apparatus);
b) topography and drainage;
c) the soil type and structure;
d) the likely tolerance of the tree to root disturbance or damage, based on factors such as species, age, condition and past management.
 

It is more than likely that the old structures have altered the root pattern so having those superimposed on the RPA is always beneficial. I’ve argued successfully that an RPA could not be a certain area due to presence of a building previously. 
 

For an RPA to be a 10m circle the tree in question would need to be at least 0.85m diameter (or nearly 2.6m in circumference) so I would start by getting that validated. 

Best get it cut down asap, or find another plot.

15 minutes ago, Triassic said:

Best get it cut down asap, or find another plot.

 

I appreciate your frank comment but overall I am confident we'll find a way to work within the root-protection area. I think I have chosen a good practical arborist. And we have already had one site meeting with the LPA tree officer (with one more to go). Lets see if it will drive me to distraction!

 

28 minutes ago, PeterW said:

Out of curiosity, is the RPA as measured on your plans or as defined ..?? It should be based on a circle of radius 12 times the diameter of the main stem measured at 1.5m above the ground. 

 

I am no expert of course but I believe that the RPA has indeed been defined in the AIA* according to the standard that cite. The AIA was a key document in obtaining the planing approval. And now that I have panning approval, the next step is to write the full AMA* and TPP* and have them agreed with the LPA tree officer.

 

30 minutes ago, PeterW said:

It is more than likely that the old structures have altered the root pattern

 

Fully agree. Hopeful of retaining use for storage of a substantial area within the RPA.

 

31 minutes ago, PeterW said:

For an RPA to be a 10m circle the tree in question would need to be at least 0.85m diameter

 

Sounds about right for this tree. It is a big fat old chestnut.

 

*

AIA = Arboricultural impact assessment.

AMA = Arboricultural Method statement.

TPP = Tree Protection Plan.

 

I would fell the trees you don’t want to retain and ask about root protection for those you keep afterwards, our trees/hedges required a 2m root protection area I simply fenced with sheep fencing. Council wanted a proper arbor. survey but after talking to the councils tree “person” because we had no “significant” trees he agreed a simple exclusion zone was ok.

7 minutes ago, joe90 said:

 

I would fell the trees you don’t want to retain

 

 

Yes, quite right, we will be removing two small trees that are within the footprint of the dwelling. Just to be clear, there are no other trees on my plot. The big chestnut tree is just across the fence. 

Have you considered getting somebody out with an air spade to do an assessment of the root spread. 

Just now, Russell griffiths said:

Have you considered getting somebody out with an air spade to do an assessment of the root spread. 

 

Good idea. I will add it to my list of questions.

@Dreadnaught Thanks for the blog post.

I am very interested to hear what answers you got back from your tree guy as I have many similar questions running round in my head regarding my own upcoming build.

Hopefully it will will help clear the fog a little ? 

 

Thanks.

Hi @Field_of_Dreams, oh yes, what in particular interests you.

 

In general I have found that most things are possible, they just need to be framed in the right way for the council tree officer. And moreover, its all well and good to have a detailed arboricultural method statement (AMS) but I get the impression that the reality on the ground is likely to be flexible.

 

Having said all of this, I am still waiting for the council to sign-off on my planning conditions, which includes the AMS that was drafted for me by my tree specialist.

Thanks @Dreadnaught

It was points, 1/3/4/5/6 that are applicable to my plot.

I am looking at my groundworks at present and it seems to be heading towards piles but I don't have a GI report yet. I seem to change my mind every other day at present! Some say that it is not needed and just put the money towards the piles but I have also started to look at vibro stone columns and from what I understand, they need a GI report. I am hoping to get some time to talk to one or two suppliers today so hopefully that will help.

I am also waiting on several quotes to come back in to hopefully make things  a bit clearer too.

 

I also have an archeological watch on my plot so need to be very efficient on site to reduce those costs. 

As always...more questions than answers at this stage ?

 

@Field_of_Dreams, yes. On all of those points I turned out that it was possible for my tree specialist to draft the Method Statement to accommodate whatever I wanted. I was quite surprised and pleased. It seems almost anything is possible and, so long as you choose a good expert, he can make almost anything work.

 

I do not know if all of the tree experts are like my one, but he was recommended to me by another self-builder as someone who would "be on my side", which I am now coming to appreciate.

Good to know. Thanks @Dreadnaught