Tree Disposition Plan | Evergreen Design Group

Expert Tree Disposition Planning For Your Project

A Tree Disposition Plan is essential to responsible land development. It ensures that existing trees on the site receive proper assessment and management before construction begins. Whether your local jurisdiction requires it or you simply want to approach your project with sustainability in mind, Evergreen Design Group has the expertise to guide you through the process. Our certified arborists and landscape architects specialize in tree surveys, preservation strategies, and mitigation plans, helping you balance development goals with environmental responsibility.

Why Your Project Needs a Tree Survey And Disposition Plan

A comprehensive Tree Disposition Plan combines technical expertise with regulatory knowledge to help you make informed decisions about the trees on your development site. This essential document includes three main components: a survey, preservation strategies, and mitigation plans. Investing in a professional tree survey disposition plan provides key benefits, including:

Many municipalities require a TDP as part of the permitting process. Failure to submit an approved plan could delay construction.

Identifying hazardous or unhealthy trees early helps mitigate potential liabilities and ensures safety on-site.

Knowing the location and condition of trees allows for early adjustments to site plans, reducing costly last-minute changes.

A well-executed plan ensures trees are preserved or replaced, helping maintain biodiversity and site aesthetics.

What Is a Tree Disposition Plan?

Our interpretation of a Tree Disposition Plan is a separate plan designating which existing trees are to remain and be protected, and which are to be removed. This plan will also describe the protection measures for those trees to remain and any mitigation measures that may be required. All notes, specifications, and details regarding this scope are included.

Not all permitting authorities have a requirement for a Tree Disposition Plan to be prepared, and not all have mitigation requirements for when protected trees are removed. For those that do, the mitigation requirements may involve replanting new trees, paying into a tree fund, or a combination of the two.

What Is a Tree Survey?

A Tree Survey is a survey of the existing, protected trees on a piece of land. This survey identifies the locations and tag numbers assigned to each tree, and is typically performed either by a Surveyor or a Certified Arborist.

When locating the trees, typically the locations provided by the Surveyor are more accurate than when provided by the Arborist – as the Arborist utilizes a GPS system. It is more cost-effective to have the Surveyor locate and tag the trees when they are already on-site surveying the boundaries.

The Surveyor will provide the points/locations of these trees along with their tag numbers to us. We will then dispatch our Certified Arborist to provide the size, location, species, and conditions of these trees.

If the Surveyor is not contracted to locate the trees at the time they are out surveying the site, our Arborists can handle it at that time. Speaking again on cost-effectiveness, it may be better to just let the Arborist locate and tag the trees since they will be out there anyway, avoiding an additional trip charge from the Surveyor.

How Does Evergreen Design Group Create a Tree Disposition Plan?

At Evergreen Design Group, we streamline the process with in-house expertise. We handle every step, from tree surveys to mitigation strategies.

Tree Surveys

A tree survey is the foundation of any TDP. This process involves identifying, locating, and documenting existing trees on a piece of land to determine their impact on development.

Our certified arborists evaluate tree species, health, and size, providing a detailed inventory.
We use accurate survey data to map tree locations, working closely with land surveyors.
Municipalities often require specific details, such as botanical names and precise measurements, which our team accurately provides.

While these can be conducted anytime, we recommend conducting tree surveys early in your project’s design plans alongside the initial land surveys. This will allow us to obtain all the necessary data to develop grading plans, outline site layouts, and help avoid delays in getting your project approved.

Tree Preservation

Preserving existing trees is a priority for many projects, especially when dealing with protected trees under local regulations. Our team develops comprehensive tree preservation plans to protect trees that can remain on-site by:

We outline protection measures, including root zone barriers, fencing, and care guidelines.
If a protected tree is near construction activity, we implement best practices to minimize stress and damage.

Our strategies help maintain site aesthetics, reduce heat island effects, and support local ecosystems.

Tree Mitigation

If your project requires tree removal, we use tree mitigation techniques to minimize environmental impacts like canopy loss, reduced biodiversity, and stormwater management challenges. We also work with you to preserve the site’s aesthetic appeal, natural balance, and compliance with local laws or mitigation requirements, which may include:

Replanting new trees elsewhere on-site.
Paying into a municipal tree fund to support reforestation efforts.
A combination of both approaches, depending on local codes.

At Evergreen Design Group, we use our experience working in over 40 states to navigate the varied municipal, local, and state regulations on your behalf. We will create a compliant tree mitigation plan that fits your goals and budget.

Why Our Single-Source Approach Can Benefit Your Project

As a full-service landscape architecture firm, Evergreen Design Group simplifies tree disposition planning from start to finish. Our in-house expertise removes the need for multiple contractors, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective process. Here’s how we add value:

Seamless coordination with architects and designers

Our team collaborates closely with the project’s architects, ensuring that tree-related constraints and opportunities are considered from the start.

Faster project timelines

Our in-house tree assessments ensure projects stay on schedule and avoid unnecessary delays due to outsourcing.

Cost savings

Hiring a separate certified arborist can be expensive. With Evergreen Design Group, tree expertise is built into our services, helping you stay within budget.

Long-term tree care guidance

We offer expert advice on tree health, maintenance, and preservation strategies to protect your landscape investment.

Protecting Your Investment Through Expert Tree Management

Successful development requires balancing construction goals with environmental responsibility. At Evergreen Design Group, we specialize in creating tree survey disposition plans that meet regulatory standards while protecting natural resources.

Whether your project involves complex tree removals, protected tree preservation, or mitigation planning, our team of experienced landscape architects, certified arborists, and other specialists are ready to assist you.
Contact Evergreen Design Group today to discuss your project.

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Tree Disposition Plans