Planting stock
In general, selected planting stock should show signs of good health and nursery practices (see Value of Trees - Best Practice). All nursery stock used in the landscaping of new developments should be of known provenance and should meet the requirements of the National Plant Specification and British Standard (BS) 3936.
Trees used for planting must also meet the requirements laid out in BS 8545: 2014; Trees from nursery to independence in the landscape.
All stock should be suitably protected when being handled at the supplying nursery, during transport and while being stored on the site.
British standards
All materials used in landscaping new developments and all associated practices and workmanship should meet with the appropriate BS specification or Code of Practice issued by the British Standards Institution including:
- BS 3882:2015 Specification for topsoil
- BS 4428: 1989 Code of practice for general landscape operations (excluding hard surfaces)
- BS 3936:1992 Part 1 Nursery Stock ‐ Specification for trees and shrubs;
- BS 3936:1981 Part 10 Nursery Stock ‐ Specification for ground cover plants;
- BS 3998: 2010 Tree work – Recommendations
- BS 5837: 2012 Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction- Recommendations
- The Code of Practice for Plant Handling 2002 (Horticultural Trades Association).
- BS 7370:part1: 1991 Grounds maintenance (part 1. Recommendations for establishing and managing grounds maintenance organisations and design considerations
- BS 7370:part2: 1994 Grounds maintenance part 2. Recommendations for the maintenance of hard areas (excluding sports surfaces)
- BS 7370:part3: 1991 Grounds maintenance part 3. Recommendations for maintenance of amenity and functional turf (other than sports turf)
- BS 7370:part4: 1993 Grounds maintenance part 4. Recommendations for
Peat or peat-based products must not be used.
Timber used in landscaping schemes should be approved by the Forestry Stewardship Council.