On this page, you’ll be adding the trees, shrubs, and stumps that are on or near your site.
This helps show the Local Planning Authority that you’ve properly recorded anything that might be affected by your proposed works.
1. What counts as a tree, shrub, or stump?
Trees – anything with a stem over 7.5 centimetres wide (measured at breast height).
Shrubs – plants with a stem under 7.5 centimetres wide.
Stumps – where a tree has been cut down or has died, but the remains are still visible.
2. Adding your first tree
When you start, the system automatically selects Tree. You can change this by clicking the green “Add Tree” box, then choosing Shrub or Stump instead.
As you move your cursor over the map, you’ll see two circles appear — these show where the tree will go.
Click anywhere on the map to place the stem.
3. Entering the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)
A box will pop up asking you to enter the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) — that’s the stem width. There’s a short guide here if you’re not sure how to measure or estimate it. If you try to enter a number below 7.5 cm, the system will gently remind you to mark it as a shrub instead.
3. Drawing the canopy
After entering the diameter, you’ll be asked to draw the canopy — the area the branches spread over.
It doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s just to give an idea of the size and spread.
You can:
Drag the white squares to make a simple circle or oval.
Use the transparent squares to make the shape more detailed.
Use the Measure tool or Show Details button if you want to be more precise.
When you’re happy, click “I’m Done” in the Advanced Tools panel.
4. Setting the height
Next, you’ll be asked for the height of the tree.
If you’re unsure, click here for a guide for easy ways to estimate height by eye.
You’ll then be asked whether you want to use your user-drawn canopy or an auto-drawn canopy.
The auto-drawn option makes a neat, perfectly round canopy of the right size — most people prefer this.
5. Adding more trees
Once one tree is complete, you can keep adding more in exactly the same way.
Repeat the steps for every tree, shrub, or stump within your Tree Horizon Line.
6. Editing or moving a tree
If you need to change something later:
Click Edit on the toolbar.
Hover over the tree you want to change — it will turn yellow.
Click it once to select.
In Advanced Tools, a small box will appear where you can change the diameter or height.
Press Submit to save your change.
You’ll then be asked if you want to reposition the tree.
Choose No if you only changed the measurements.
Choose Yes if you want to move it. A new tree icon will appear — click the new spot on the map, and the tree will move there automatically.
If you move the tree, you’ll just need to redraw the canopy and click “I’m Done” again.
When finished, unclick Edit to return to normal.
7. Tips
Don’t worry about making it perfect — it’s about showing that you’ve considered the trees properly.
Keep it realistic and neat, and LPAs will see that you’ve done the job carefully.
You can always come back and edit later.