We all have beauty spots in our gardens where we love to relax and take time out. But when nature begins encroaching on those precious moments with a tree or large shrub, questions of the legality start arising: do I need permission to remove a tree UK? The answer is not always background knowledge so don’t be put off by the complexities of it. Read this blog to learn more about your rights as an individual and also the responsibilities you must adhere to before snipping away at any untamed greenery from your backyard.
What is the law around removing trees in the UK?
The law around removing trees in the UK is that if a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), then you need planning permission from your local council before you can cut it down. If a tree is not covered by a TPO, then you don’t need planning permission, but you should still check with your local council to see if there are any restrictions on removing trees.
TPOs are made by councils to protect certain trees from being cut down without permission. They can be put in place for all kinds of reasons, such as because the tree is historic, or because it’s an important part of the landscape. If you want to remove a tree that’s covered by a TPO, you’ll need to apply for planning permission from your local council.
If you’re thinking of removing a tree that’s not covered by a TPO, it’s still a good idea to check with your local council. Some councils have restrictions on removing trees, even if they’re not covered by a TPO. For example, some councils may require that you replace the tree that you’ve removed, or that you plant new trees elsewhere in the local area.
Conservation areas are of architectural or historical importance. You will need to notify the local council of any intention to remove trees within these areas. You must give formal notification of at least six weeks before you want to do the work.
What are your rights as an individual when it comes to removing trees on your property?
As an individual, you have the right to remove any trees on your property that you see fit. However, you should keep in mind that there may be some restrictions depending on your local laws and ordinances. You should also consult with a professional arborist to get their opinion on which trees can be safely removed and how to go about doing so. Removal of healthy trees can be harmful to the environment, so it’s important to take into account all factors before deciding to take any action.
What are the consequences of removing a tree without permission?
Removing a tree without permission can result in a lot of consequences. One of the most common consequences is that the person who removed the tree may have to pay a fine. Additionally, the person who removed the tree may be required to plant a new tree in its place. Another consequence of removing a tree without permission is that it can damage the root system of other trees in the area. This can cause the other trees to die, which can then lead to additional fines and/or the requirement to plant new trees.
Finally, removing a tree without permission can also cause environmental damage. Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy environment and removing them without permission and in the wrong ways can damage the environment.
How can you go about getting permission to remove a tree?
The first step in getting permission to remove a tree is to call your local city or town hall and ask for the contact information for the person who handles permits for removing trees. Once you have this information, you can email or call this person and explain why you want to remove the tree. They will most likely ask you for some documentation, such as photos of the tree and the damage it has caused. They will also likely want to know how big the tree is and what type of tree it is.
If the city or town agrees that the tree needs to be removed, they will issue you a permit. Be sure to read all of the terms and conditions of the permit before removing the tree. You may also need to hire a professional arborist to remove the tree for you. Here at Woods Tree Care, we can take care of the whole process starting with putting in an application to have the tree removed, all the way through to removing it safely and correctly.
In summary, to ensure compliance with the law, you should always contact your local council before making any changes, or alternatively, contact Woods Tree Care to help advise you on how best to proceed. Remember that this will help protect you from possible legal repercussions in the future. – contact Woods Tree Care today!
