How categories are proposed and overridden
Tree Atlas proposes a BS 5837 category for each tree from fixed rules. You make the final choice. The categories are A, B, C and U.
What the proposal uses
The rules read these values from the tree record:
- the Overall condition, which comes from the Defects rows on the Assessment tab
- the stem diameter
- the Protection choices: Veteran, TPO and Conservation Area
The app does not propose a category until it has a condition. Pick at least one item in each Defects row first. You can also set the Overall condition yourself. To go back to the condition from the defects, tap the value the app shows under it.
Read the label
The heading over the category tiles tells you where the category came from:
- Category · proposed from condition: the rules chose it.
- Category · default, confirm or change: the rules gave a default that you must confirm or change before you save.
- Category · your choice: you picked a category that is different from the proposal.
Change the category
- On a new tree you are already in the record. For a saved tree, open the tree and tap Edit tree.
- Go to the Assessment tab.
- Tap the tile for the category you want: A, B, C or U.
- If you choose U, answer Why is it U?.
- Save the tree.
Your choice is the one saved and shown in the report. To go back to the proposal, tap the proposed tile again.
When you change a proposed category, Tree Atlas keeps both the proposal and your choice with the tree.
In the report
Every PDF report has Appendix A · Method. Its section BS 5837 category proposal describes the rules and shows the rule version that was used. Each tree also stores the rule version with its category.
Tree Atlas does not give professional advice. The category is your judgement as the surveyor.