Are You Sure There Are No Trees on or Near Your Site?
When you claim that there are no trees on the Joe’s Blooms Tree Tool, we automatically check this against government tree-location datasets and aerial imagery. In many cases, these datasets show clear evidence of trees or large shrubs within or immediately next to the red line.
Please note that if you provide inaccurate information in your planning application, it may lead to serious delays.
This page is here to help you avoid a serious problem in your planning application:
1. Most Sites in England Do Have Trees
It is extremely rare for a site to genuinely have no trees, stumps, or significant shrubs. Please note that even a single sapling, hedgerow tree, or remnant stump can trigger Local Planning Authority (LPA) requirements.
In addition, trees just outside the red line still matter and also need to be counted.
If our data suggests trees are present, you should assume the LPA will see the same.
2. If Trees Exist and You Say “No Trees”, You Risk Delays
Giving incorrect or incomplete information about trees is one of the most common reasons for:
Invalidation of the application,
Requests for additional information,
Requirements for new surveys mid-process, and
Major delays to determination.
LPAs take tree-related information very seriously — especially if development might affect Protected Trees, Conservation Areas, or neighbouring trees.
If you declare no trees when trees actually exist, you may find your application stops immediately.
3. Double-Check Before You Proceed
Before confirming “no trees”, please carefully check:
Are there any trees within the site boundary?
Are there any trees immediately outside it whose canopy or roots could be affected?
Are there tree stumps, recently felled trees, or large shrubs that the LPA might treat as trees?
Could any neighbour’s or council-owned trees be within influencing distance of the works?
If the answer to any of these is “yes”, please go back and re-enter the trees in the tool. It takes only a few minutes and may prevent weeks of delay.
4. Why the Tool Is Challenging You
We challenge the “no trees” answer because:
Government datasets indicate trees very close to your site;
Aerial imagery shows canopy cover;
The risk of LPA pushback is high; and
Incorrect answers can materially harm your application.
This is not about being difficult — it is about avoiding the most common (and easily preventable) planning delay in England.
5. If You Still Believe There Are No Trees
If you have re-checked and are absolutely certain that there are no trees, you understand the risks, and you are willing to handle any consequences with the LPA, then you should answer the Planning Portal’s question as:
“No trees”
But only do this if you are fully confident in your assessment.