Homeowners are being warned to check their garden trees before doing any work on them. If they don’t, they could face a hefty fine or even a criminal record.
Some trees in the UK are protected and you need permission to work on them, including cutting them down or removing them completely.
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protects a tree from being damaged or removed. If someone breaks this rule, they could face unlimited fines and a criminal record.
Local planning authorities make these orders. They stop people from cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, damaging or destroying the tree without written consent.
These orders can protect individual trees, groups of trees, trees within an area, and even whole woodlands, reports The Manchester Evening News.
The person who damages or cuts the tree is responsible. This could be the current homeowner, the previous homeowner, or a professional paid to do the work.
You can be found guilty even if you didn’t know the order was there. Fines consider the damage caused. If the removal or damage increases the value of your property, the fine will reflect this – and it can even increase later.
Chris Bonnett, an expert from Gardening Express, has warned that anyone found guilty of deliberately damaging or removing a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order could face hefty penalties.
However, he clarified that this doesn’t mean you can’t touch or maintain the tree, but you do need written permission for any work to be carried out.
Chris explained: “Tree Preservation Orders can be a headache to navigate and if you cause damage, even unknowingly, you can be hit with a big fine and a criminal record.
“If you want to carry out work then you will need permission from the local authority who may impose conditions and limit the work that can be carried out.
“They are in place for a reason – to protect trees and woodland which, if removed, would have a big impact on the local environment and their enjoyment by people.
“But if they’re in your back garden or are on adjacent land overhanging your garden, they can make regular care more tricky.”
Chris added: “If the tree is in your garden, it is your responsibility to upkeep and care for it. Apply for permission from your local authority a few months before any work needs to be carried out. This includes all work, whether that’s gentle pruning or a much bigger job.
“If the tree is in a conservation area, notice must be given six weeks before, and if the council refuses or people object, then another TPO could be placed on the tree.
“If a tree is dying or is a health and safety risk, and action is needed urgently, you still need permission and need to contact your local authority at least five days before works are due to be carried out.”
Chris concludes: “If you’re unsure about trees in your garden, check them out before carrying out any work just to be on the safe side. An unlimited fine and criminal record are harsh penalties and not ones anyone wants.”
