Temporary Heras & Scaffold Tube Barriers – BS5837 RPA Protection for Trees During Construction & Site Works
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At West Sussex Scaffolding, we specialise in compliant BS 5837:2012 tree protection fencing solutions that keep your project on track while preserving valuable trees and their root systems. As experienced scaffolders operating across West Sussex and the surrounding counties since 2012, we combine robust temporary fencing systems with precise installation to meet BS 5837:2012 requirements, the key British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition, and construction.
Whether you’re a developer, builder, architect, or homeowner planning building work near protected trees, our service ensures planning conditions are satisfied from day one. We prevent costly delays, fines (including up to £25,000 for breaching Tree Preservation Orders), or enforcement notices by creating secure exclusion zones before machinery arrives.
Specification | Details / Requirement (BS 5837:2012 Compliant) |
Standard Barrier Type | Default: Vertical & horizontal scaffold framework with braced uprights driven securely into ground; weldmesh or Heras-style panels securely fixed (no rubber/concrete feet in most cases). |
Height | Minimum 2m (often 2.3m+ recommended for visibility & deterrence). |
Signage | “TREE PROTECTION AREA – KEEP OUT” signs (min. 600mm × 300mm) fixed at ≤10m intervals on all sides available on request. |
Root Protection Area (RPA) | Calculated per BS 5837 (typically 12 × stem diameter at 1.5m height, capped at 15m radius); forms Construction Exclusion Zone (CEZ). |
Ground Protection | No excavation, storage, or vehicle movement inside RPA unless approved ground mats are used. |
Installation Timing | Erected before any demolition, materials delivery, or plant entry to site. |
Materials Used | Galvanised scaffold tubes (various diameters), swivel/double/sleeve couplers, temporary panels, clips/connectors, and optional debris netting for added security. |
Bracing & Stability | Diagonal struts/braces to resist impact; no reliance on feet alone for stability. |
Monitoring & Maintenance | Regular checks: fencing remains in place until construction is complete and approved for removal by an arborist/planner. |
Hire Period | Standard 4 weeks; extendable; includes erection, dismantle, and collection. |
All installations follow approved Tree Protection Plans or Arboricultural Method Statements where required.
It may seem simple, but there are specific BS5837 requirements that must be followed when installing tree protection fencing.
You will see a diagram of how the fencing should be erected on this page; however, this should only be completed by competent, qualified installers.
BS 5837:2012 is the current British Standard for: “Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction – Recommendations” (published 30 April 2012 by BSI).
It provides guidance on protecting trees during development projects in the UK, ensuring they are retained where possible while allowing sensible construction.
Core Purpose
Balance development needs with tree preservation to avoid damage, planning delays, fines, or enforcement (e.g., from Tree Preservation Orders).
Key Steps
Why It Matters
It mandates the installation of suitable barriers around RPAs to form exclusion zones, preventing physical/chemical damage. Fencing must use robust scaffold-based systems with signage, be installed first, and remain in place until the works finish.
Any project (new builds, extensions, demolitions) near retained trees often requires it as per planning conditions, tree surveys, or TPOs. Local councils enforce this to protect amenity trees.
An arboriculturist calculates it based on the tree stem diameter (usually 12× at 1.5m height, with a 15m radius cap). We align fencing precisely to these zones during site surveys.
Yes, we ensure full compliance to avoid fines. Search your local council’s TPO register first; we coordinate with any existing arborist reports.
Our scaffolding expertise means stronger, more stable barriers using galvanised components designed for construction use. We’re fully insured, CSCS-qualified, and understand integrated site safety (e.g., combining with hoarding or access scaffolds).
From approximately £30–£50 per metre installed/hired, influenced by perimeter length, hire duration, site access, and extras like signage/netting. We provide accurate quotes after a free site visit.
Yes, where approved, we supply heavy-duty boards/mats to distribute loads without compacting soil, as an alternative or supplement to fencing in low-impact zones.
Most perimeter installations take 1–2 days, depending on size/complexity. We aim for minimal disruption and can schedule around your programme.
Stop works immediately in the affected area, repair/reinstate the barrier, and notify ourselves and the council if required (especially under TPO or planning conditions). Breaches can result in enforcement notices, fines, or orders to replace trees.
Throughout the entire construction phase, until the project is complete and removal is approved (often by the local authority tree officer or arborist). Regular monitoring checks are required.
Yes, but only if approved in an Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) with low-impact methods like hand digging, no-dig foundations, radial trenching, or heavy-duty ground protection mats/boards to avoid soil compaction or root damage. Complete avoidance is preferred for tree health.
BS 5837 recommends robust, impact-resistant barriers like metal scaffold tube frameworks (with braced uprights driven into the ground), weld-mesh panels, or Heras fencing securely fixed. Avoid lightweight options with rubber/concrete feet in most cases, as stability comes from bracing and proper anchoring to withstand site traffic.
Protecting trees during construction isn’t just a planning requirement; it’s essential to avoid delays, fines, and long-term environmental harm. With our BS5837-compliant fencing, robust scaffold tubes, and quick installations across West Sussex and beyond, you get peace of mind from day one.
As experienced scaffolders since 2012, we’re fully insured (£10 million public liability), CSCS-trained, and committed to sustainable site practices. Whether it’s a new build, extension, school project, or housing development near protected trees or TPOs, we deliver reliable protection that meets council and arborist standards.
Get your free site visit and no-obligation quote today. We’ll survey your Root Protection Areas, recommend the correct setup, and provide accurate pricing starting at £30–£50 per metre.
Don’t risk enforcement notices or tree damage – contact West Sussex Scaffolding first for expert BS5837 tree protection fencing. Let’s keep your project green, legal, and on schedule.
