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Tree Protection
Trees can be protected in several different ways therefore it is important that both contractors and clients seek the correct legal advice and make enquiries to the appropriate authorities before carrying any work out. It is the responsibility of both parties; therefore any prosecutions or fines will be enforced upon both the contractor and the tree owner. Listed below are the different types of protection that can be placed on a tree, together with the procedures to follow in order to carry out work.
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1. Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’S)
TPO’s are administered and enforced by the Local Planning Authorities (LPA’s). These include Borough and District councils and also National Park Authorities. They are created to protect trees that are deemed to have significant amenity value within the local area. The protection order prevents any work being carried out without written consent from the authorities and makes it a criminal offence to do so. They are often created by the LPA when a tree is under threat from development or unnecessary removal or remedial work.
Any species of tree can be subject to a TPO although hedges, bushes and shrubs are exempt. A TPO can be placed on an individual tree or in the form of a blanket TPO which can cover groups of trees, areas of trees and woodlands. It is a common misconception that certain species (for example the oak) are automatically protected. However, no species of tree are by definition, subject to a TPO.
Anyone who carries out or permits work including ‘cutting down, lopping, topping, uprooting, wilful damage, wilful destruction’ of a tree or group of trees protected by a TPO can find themselves with a fine of up to £20,000 if convicted at the Magistrates Court or an unlimited fine if convicted at the Crown Court.
If you wish to carry out any work to a tree which you know or suspect to be protected by a TPO, a written application needs to be made to your relevant LPA. This can either be done in writing by downloading the application form from your LPA website (or collection from LPA offices), or by completing the application online at The Planning Portal. C G Tree Care will happily provide you with free advice or help with any queries you may have regarding Tree Protection. We also offer an Application Service whereby we collate the relevant information required and complete the application on your behalf.
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2. Conservation Areas
Conservation areas include the buildings and infrastructure within an area that is deemed to have notable historical, aesthetic and amenity value. They are often in areas where there are buildings of heritage and age, although new build properties can also lie within a conservation area.
Any tree within a conservation area that has a stem diameter of 7.5cm at a height of 1.5m will require written notice to the LPA if work is intended to be carried out. It is a common misconception that trees that have been planted by yourself, or trees that have previously been worked on without permission do not require written notice. This is certainly not the case.
Written notice can be made either online at The Planning Portal, or by collecting or downloading the application form from you LPA website or offices. This notification process takes up to 6weeks and is known as a ‘Section 211 notice’. The 211 notice gives the LPA time to consider the proposed work and if they deem the work inappropriate, they will enforce a TPO on the tree/trees in question.
C G Tree Care will happily provide you with free advice or help with any queries you may have regarding Trees within a Conservation Area. We also offer an Application Service whereby we collate the relevant information required and complete the application on your behalf.