Tree Effect Analysis or BEA. What is it and how does it work?

What is a Tree Effect Analysis (BEA)?

If you've ever wondered how we keep our green friends, the can protect trees during the construction of a new road? The construction of a building, or even setting up a festival site? Then you end up with a Tree Effect Analysis, or BEA.

A BEA or Tree Effect Analysis is a detailed study. This comprehensively examines the impact of planned developments or construction activities on the existing trees in the area. And describes the measures to be taken based on tree-technically substantiated adviceand the reasons for the choices made.

 

 

 

 

What do you use a Tree Effect Analysis for?

If you are involved as a client, architect or contractor in construction projects, infrastructure works, urban development plans, or simply renovating your garden, a BEA offers insight into how your project can and will affect the existing tree stock.

It helps you understand what precautions you need to take to prevent or minimize damage to trees.

 

Why is a BEA crucial for civil works and construction projects?

The BEA plays a key role in civil construction, from road construction to the construction of new residential areas.

It ensures that the viability and health of trees are not overlooked. Amid the hustle and bustle of construction work, infrastructural developments or even smaller interventions. Such as installing underground utilities.

Trees simply root in the soil and civil works are almost always accompanied by earthworks. Which of course also take place in the soil. In order to meet both the needs of the civil works and the needs of the trees, and without causing permanent and fatal damage to tree roots, it is important to know in a timely manner the impact of the works on the trees.

And this not only underground, but also above ground. Are there any large branches in the way? That perhaps cannot be pruned or require special techniques? Or can the transport plan and crane plan be adjusted?

 

What is the purpose of a Tree Effect Analysis?

The main purpose of a BEA is to ensure a harmonious coexistence between trees and urban development.

It strives to find a balance where both your project and the trees around you can flourish. By identifying potential risks and impacts in advance, you can make the necessary adjustments to minimize the impact on trees.

 

Why should you always consider a BEA?

Any time you start a project that takes place near trees, it is wise to consider a BEA or Tree Effect Analysis.

It's not just a matter of environmental responsibility. But also of practical caution. Damage to trees can and will lead to additional costs and delays in the project. And nowadays often even with legal consequences.

A Tree Effect Analysis is often also legally imposed in the environmental permit. Or is there no other option because trees must be preserved by law? And there is a guarantee of a good one condition of the tree is also imposed after the works.

Furthermore, the conservation of trees contributes to biodiversity, the aesthetics of the environment and the overall quality of life through all the ecosystem services that trees provide.

 

The importance of BEA in development projects

When embarking on a development project, regardless of scale, it is crucial to consider the environmental footprint you leave behind.

A Tree Impact Analysis helps you do just that by acting as a bridge between sustainable development and environmental conservation.

It provides a structured framework to navigate the interactions between your building plans and the existing tree population. And what makes you a responsible citizen and developer. His project will also be supported by the community. With all the benefits that entails.

 

Step-by-step plan within a BEA

A BEA is not just a report; it's a process that starts at the early planning stages of your project.

It includes the identification and inventory of trees. The assessment of their health and viability. Analysis of the impact of the planned works. And, crucially, proposing measures to reduce or completely avoid negative impacts.

These steps ensure a thorough evaluation. And provide concrete recommendations that you can integrate into your construction plans.

 

Start with a Tree Effect Analysis early in the project phase

It is most effective to start a Tree Effect Analysis (BEA) as early as possible in the project phase. Ideally during the conceptual or planning phase. Before final designs or construction plans have been determined. This has several advantages.

 

Why start early with a BEA?

1. Integration into the design: Starting a BEA early allows you to integrate the findings and recommendations into the design of your project. This prevents you from having to make costly adjustments later in the project.
2. Preventing unnecessary conflicts: you identify potential conflicts between the planned development and existing trees at an early stage. Which allows you to come up with design solutions that minimize or eliminate these conflicts.
3. Cost reduction: avoiding damage to valuable trees. Or having to revise construction plans at a later date can lead to significant cost savings.
4. Compliance and licensing: an early BEA can help obtain the necessary building and felling permits. As you can demonstrate that you have considered the impact on trees and taken steps to minimize it.
5. Public and stakeholder approval: Showing your commitment to tree conservation early can help gain public support. And stakeholder approval, which can be crucial to the success of your project.

 

Which measures can be included in a BEA?

A Tree Effect Analysis can propose various measures to limit or completely avoid the negative impact on trees, such as:

1. Protection zones: establishing clearly marked protection zones around trees. To prevent construction activities from damaging the roots, trunk or crown.
2. Design adjustment: changing the layout, design or positioning of planned structures or facilities. To preserve important trees. Also consider designing underground growth site constructions that allow double use of the soil. And provide trees for the future.
3. Construction methods: recommending specific construction techniques or methods that minimize the impact on trees. Such as avoiding digging in the root zone.
4. Tree pruning and habitat improvement: when there are conflicts with above-ground parts it may be necessary pruning large trees, or to the ccondition of the tree to safeguard them by providing one growth site improvement.
5. Transplanting trees: trees that can be transplanted, can be moved so that they no longer conflict with the works or the construction project.
6. Adjusting transport plan and crane plan: By drawing up a well-thought-out transport plan and crane plan, the impact on trees can often be greatly reduced.
7. Temporary facilities: applying temporary measures during the construction phase, such as root guidance systems or tree protection barriers.
8. Compensation and replanting: when it removing trees is unavoidable, a BEA can be compensatory replanting or propose other ecological compensation measures.

 

Summary measures

By integrating these measures, a BEA not only ensures the protection of trees during your project. But it also contributes to the longer-term sustainability and quality of life of the environment.

It ensures that your project integrates nicely into the environment. And trees have a future. Making your project even more valuable. Especially now that more and more people attach importance to a green environment. Rightly so.

 

Benefits of a BEA for the client and the community

The benefits of a BEA extend beyond tree conservation; they touch the wider community and the environment.

Green spaces play a crucial role in urban environments by purifying air, regulating temperatures, and providing recreational spaces.

By means of a BEA you ensure that the benefits of these ecosystem services that trees provide are maintained. Even when new developments take place.

 

A call to action

Carrying out a Tree Effect Analysis should not be an afterthought, but an integral part of your project planning.

By taking the impact on trees into account from the start, you not only avoid possible complications. But you also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

So, whether you're a project manager, architect, builder or homeowner dreaming of an extension, think about the trees. And how a BEA can enrich your project.

 

Conclusion

The Tree Effect Analysis is more than a checklist. It is an essential step in planning any project. That has the potential to impact the natural environment.

By taking the trees in and around your project area into account, you not only contribute to the protection of the environment. But you also ensure that your work runs more smoothly.

So, the next time you get started, remember that a BEA is not only a good practice, but a smart one.