First Fence Launches BS 5837 Compliant Tree Protection Fencing

30 July 2025Appears in Press Releases
First Fence Launches BS 5837 Compliant Tree Protection Fencing
First Fence launches BS 5837 compliant Tree Protection Fencing, designed to help developers safeguard trees during construction. Tree protection fencing creates a secure barrier around Root Protection Areas (RPAs), preventing damage and ensuring compliance with planning regulations. In this guide, we explain what it is, why it matters, and how to choose the right system for your site.

What is Tree Protection Fencing?

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Tree protection fencing is a temporary barrier system used on construction and development sites to safeguard trees from damage during works. It creates a secure exclusion zone around the tree’s Root Protection Area (RPA) to prevent soil compaction, root disturbance, trunk impact, and chemical contamination. Typically made from robust materials like scaffold tube or timber with mesh panels, the fencing provides a clear physical and visual boundary, helping to ensure compliance with BS 5837:2012 and supporting the long-term health of retained trees.

What is BS 5837:2012?

Scope: Applies to the relationship between trees and construction processes—from design to demolition. It provides recommendations for managing and protecting trees on and near development sites.

Purpose: To guide the sustainable integration of trees into new developments, ensuring the long-term retention and health of valuable trees.

Intention: To help successfully integrate trees into a development, minimizing damage and allowing them to continue providing environmental and landscape benefits.

How does this influence the design of our Tree Protection Kits? 

Root Protection: Explicitly designed to safeguard Root Protection Areas (RPAs) as per BS 5837:2012, preventing soil compaction and root damage.

Clear Demarcation: Provides a highly visible and robust barrier, clearly defining exclusion zones around protected trees.

Durability & Stability: Manufactured from high-quality, robust materials, ensuring stability and long-term performance in demanding site conditions.

Adaptable Design: Available in various configurations and sizes to suit diverse site layouts, tree sizes, and specific protection requirements.

Ease of Installation: Engineered for quick and secure setup, allowing for efficient deployment and potential relocation as site conditions change.

Full Compliance: Guarantees adherence to British Standard 5837:2012 recommendations, aiding in planning application approval and responsible development.

Three Versions of Tree Protection, One Supplier

Scaffold Tube Frame Kit - Ideal for high-risk zones and long-term projects, this system provides maximum stability with horizontal and vertical bracing. Constructed from galvanised scaffold tube and couplers, it’s the most robust and durable solution we offer. This kit is compliant to BS 5837:2012 regulations. 

Timber Post Frame Kit - A cost-effective alternative to metal systems, our timber kit uses square or round timber posts paired with mesh panels. Suitable for short- to medium-term installations, this kit is easy to set up and ideal for lower-risk or residential developments. This kit is not compliant to BS 5837:2012 regulations. 

Scaffold Tube Frame Kit ( Vertical Brace Only)- A lighter variation of the full frame kit, this version includes only the vertical bracing with mesh panels, offering a balance between strength and speed of installation. Best suited to compact sites with moderate exposure. This kit is not compliant to BS 5837:2012 regulations. 

Pick your Temporary Fencing Panels 

Once you have selected your frame, choose the temporary fencing panel that best suits your site's security and safety requirements. Both options are compatible with all our tree protection frame kits.

Square Top Temporary Fencing Panel: This is the industry-standard, cost-effective choice. Featuring a welded square top corner, these panels are highly durable and offer a strong, secure perimeter. They are a practical and reliable option for general site use.

Round Top Temporary Fencing Panel: This panel is designed for enhanced durability and safety. A single, continuous tube forms the top of the panel, eliminating welded corner joints which can be a weak point. This makes the panel stronger and more resistant to damage, while the rounded corners are safer for the public and site operatives.

Extras, Accessories, and fixings, oh my!

Couplers:  Robust couplers for securing panels and bracing.

Coupler Spanner: Designed for fast, secure tightening of couplers on site.

Stainless Steel Cable Ties- Corrosion-resistant and tamper-resistant fixings for signage or securing mesh to posts.

Health and Safety Signage- Essential warning and information signs for tree protection zones

Why use First Fence for Tree Protection?

Comprehensive O&M Guides: Step-by-step instructions to assist with installation, maintenance, and dismantling.

Full Drawings Available: Product drawing on every tree protection product page. 

Galvanised Finish: All metal components are hot-dip galvanised for excellent corrosion resistance and longevity.

Available from Stock: Fast turnaround with large quantities in stock, ready for immediate dispatch.

Nationwide Delivery: Reliable, fast delivery to any site across the UK—on time and on budget.

Trust First Fence to help you deliver fully compliant, environmentally responsible developments while protecting your most valuable natural assets.

More Information 

For more information on our tree protection, please call our friendly sales team on 01283 512111 or email sales@firstfence.co.uk. Download our pdf version of First Fence Launches BS 5837-Compliant Tree Protection Fencing Press Release. 

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