Carrying out building or landscaping work near a protected tree needs careful planning. If work is undertaken incorrectly within a Root Protection Area (RPA), it can lead to long-term tree damage, planning enforcement action, or costly delays.
At Lancashire Tree Services, we specialise in protecting Tree Preservation Order (TPO) trees and retained trees on development sites. We use industry-recognised techniques and specialist systems that are widely accepted by local councils and planning authorities across the UK.
Working Safely Within Root Protection Areas (RPAs)
A Root Protection Area is the zone around a tree where roots essential to its health and stability are found. Disturbing this area through excavation, vehicle movement, or soil compaction is one of the most common causes of tree decline following construction works.
Local councils often require clear evidence that RPAs will be protected before granting consent. We plan works carefully to ensure trees are retained safely and in line with current arboricultural best practice.
Air Spading – Safe, Non-Invasive Root Investigation
Where excavation is required near a protected tree, we use air spading rather than mechanical digging. Air spading uses compressed air to remove soil without cutting or tearing roots. This allows us to:
- Expose roots safely for inspection
- Identify structural and fine roots accurately
- Avoid unnecessary root damage
- Work confidently within sensitive root zones
Air spading is widely accepted by local planning authorities as the preferred method of excavation within RPAs and is frequently specified within Arboricultural Method Statements.
Specialist Systems to Protect Trees During Construction
In addition to careful excavation techniques, we use proven arboricultural products designed specifically to protect trees during development works.
ArborRaft Tree Planting System
Where foundations, paths, or load-bearing surfaces are required near trees, the ArborRaft Tree Planting System can be used to bridge over roots rather than compacting the soil. This helps:
- Distribute construction loads safely
- Maintain soil structure, oxygen, and water movement
- Allow development to proceed without harming the tree
gtRootBarrier
The gtRootBarrier system is used to guide root growth away from new structures and services.
This reduces future conflict between trees and buildings while allowing roots to develop naturally within suitable soil zones.
Ground Protection Systems
Temporary ground protection systems are used to prevent soil compaction caused by vehicles, foot traffic, or material storage within RPAs. These systems:
- Protect fine absorbing roots
- Preserve soil structure
- Reduce the risk of long-term tree stress or decline
Why Local Councils Expect These Measures
Local planning authorities have a legal duty to protect trees covered by TPOs or planning conditions. They expect construction works to be designed around retained trees, not carried out at their expense.
Local planning authorities have a legal duty to protect trees covered by TPOs or planning conditions. They expect construction works to be designed around retained trees, not carried out at their expense.
Experienced, Compliant, and Practical Tree Protection
All works are carried out by experienced arborists with a strong understanding of local authority requirements. Where required, we can provide Arboricultural Method Statements to support planning applications, discharge conditions, or TPO consent.
Our approach focuses on:
- Protecting trees properly
- Keeping projects moving
- Ensuring compliance with council expectations
Need Advice on Working Near a Protected Tree?
If you’re planning work near a TPO tree or within a Root Protection Area, we can help you get it right from the start.
Contact Lancashire Tree Services Ltd for practical advice, professional tree protection solutions, and council-compliant arboricultural support.
Tree Surgeon Services in Lytham St Annes, Blackpool & Across Lancashire
We are your local tree surgeons in Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, and throughout Lancashire. Our comprehensive services include tree planting, tree pruning, tree removal, crown reductions, stump grinding, hedging and more. Whether you need a tree surgeon in Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, or throughout Lancashire we have you covered. Explore our services or contact us to see how we can help maintain your trees.