Tree Consultancy Hartley
Hartley sits in a green pocket of north west Kent, with mature oak, hornbeam and beech lining its residential roads and Green Belt land wrapping much of the village. Those trees are part of what makes the area what it is, and they also come with responsibilities. Whether you are extending a property on Ash Road, managing a larger plot near Fawkham, or acting for a client on a site close to Longfield, sound arboricultural advice protects both the trees and your position.
We have been advising Kent landowners since 1980 and hold Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status. Our consultancy team works across Hartley and the surrounding villages, producing reports that planning officers accept and owners can act on.
BS5837 Surveys for Planning Applications
If you are building within 15 metres of a tree, Sevenoaks District Council will almost certainly ask for arboricultural input before determining your application. We carry out BS5837 tree surveys, tree constraints plans, arboricultural impact assessments and method statements with tree protection plans.
Our consultants hold Level 6 Diplomas in Arboriculture and have years of local authority experience behind them, so the reports we produce anticipate the questions planners ask rather than inviting further requests for information. Where a proposed layout is likely to be refused on arboricultural grounds, we say so early and suggest design changes that improve your chances.
Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Area Advice
Hartley has a number of protected trees, and Sevenoaks District Council takes enforcement seriously. Carrying out work to a tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order without consent can bring a fine of up to £20,000.
We check protection status before any work is specified, prepare the supporting evidence and submit applications on your behalf. Because Longfield falls under Dartford Borough Council, we confirm which authority applies to your site rather than making assumptions about the boundary.
Tree Risk Assessments and Decay Detection
Where a tree shows fungal brackets, cavities or storm damage, a visual inspection alone rarely settles the question. We use PiCUS sonic tomography, electrical resistance tomography and Resistograph testing to measure what is actually happening inside the stem.
That evidence often allows a valued tree to be kept with targeted remedial works instead of being felled. When removal is the right call, our reports give you defensible grounds for the decision under the Occupiers' Liability Act.
Supporting Sustainability and Biodiversity with Trees
Trees are at the heart of creating a sustainable future. They combat climate change, provide essential habitats for wildlife, and enhance our urban and rural landscapes. At Down to Earth, we are passionate about helping clients embrace environmentally responsible tree management practices. From planting native species that support local biodiversity to preserving valuable ecosystems, we ensure that trees contribute positively to their surroundings.
Whether you’re planning a development or managing an existing site, we offer expert guidance on sustainable tree care and planting. By working with us, you can help create resilient landscapes that benefit the environment and future generations.
Speak to Our Consultants
We provide free quotations and arrange site visits across Hartley, New Ash Green, Longfield and New Barn. Call us on 01959 524 623 or email enquiries@dtetrees.co.uk to discuss your site.
Areas we cover
We cover most of the South East including Kent, Surrey, Sussex, London and Essex.
