FAQs

Whether or not you need permission to carry out work on your trees in the UK largely depends on several factors:

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal order made by a local planning authority that protects specific trees or woodlands. If your tree is under a TPO, you will generally need permission to carry out any work on it, including cutting, lopping, or felling.

Conservation Areas

If your tree is located within a conservation area, you may also need permission to carry out work. Typically, you must give the local planning authority six weeks’ notice before performing work on trees that have a trunk diameter greater than 75mm when measured at 1.5m above ground level.

Covenants or Restrictions

Check to see if there are any covenants or other restrictions that may prohibit or limit work on trees on your property. These can be part of your property deeds or imposed by an organization like a homeowners’ association.

Planning Conditions

If your property is under development, or if you’ve recently obtained planning permission for work, there may be conditions attached regarding trees on the property. Ensure you read all planning documents carefully.

Felling Licenses

For larger operations, such as felling large numbers of trees, you may need a felling license from the Forestry Commission.

Protected Species

If the tree is home to a protected species, then additional restrictions may apply.

Local Authority

It’s always a good idea to consult your local planning authority before carrying out any work on trees, even if you think the work might be minor.

 

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal action, so it’s important to make sure you have all necessary permissions before proceeding.

 

It’s always a good idea to consult professionals, such as tree surgeons or arborists, who can assess the tree and help you understand what permissions may be required.

Determining whether a tree is dangerous can be a complex process that often requires the expertise of a certified arborist or tree care specialist. However, there are some signs that you can look for as indicators of a potentially hazardous tree:

Visual Indicators:

Dead or Dying Limbs

Dead branches can fall off at any time and pose a risk to people and property below.

Cracks in the Trunk

Significant cracks can indicate structural instability.

Leaning

Trees that lean significantly may be unstable. While some trees naturally lean, a sudden or increasing lean could be a sign of trouble.

Root Decay

Mushrooms or other fungi growing around the base of a tree may indicate root decay, which can compromise the tree’s stability.

Multiple Trunks

Trees with multiple trunks or leaders can be more prone to splitting, especially if the trunks are tightly attached.

Cankers

Areas on the tree where the bark is missing or sunken can weaken the tree.

Peeling Bark

This can be a sign of disease or internal issues within the tree.

Hollow Trunk

While some trees can survive with hollow trunks, this can indicate decay and reduce the tree’s structural strength.

Bulges, Splits, or Swelling

These are often signs of past injuries and can be weak points in the tree.

Nearby Dead Trees

If other trees in the area have died or are showing signs of disease, your tree may be at risk as well.

Odd Growth Patterns

Anything unusual, like twisted branches or lopsided growth, may indicate a problem.

Environmental Factors

Construction Damage

Trees can be affected by nearby construction, which can damage roots and make the tree more likely to fall.

Recent Excavation

Any significant changes to the soil level around the base of the tree can impact its health and stability.

Extreme Weather Events

Storms can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to falling.

Water Logging

Excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Immediate Red Flags

Overhead Lines

If the tree is too close to power lines, it could pose an immediate danger.

Proximity to Property

If the tree is leaning towards your home or another structure, consider this a red flag.

 

If you observe any of these signs or have other concerns, it’s essential to consult a qualified arborist to assess the tree’s health and provide recommendations. Sometimes, the tree may need to be removed, or specific limbs may need to be pruned to mitigate the risk. Keep in mind that improper DIY tree removal can be extremely dangerous and is generally not recommended.

Certainly, wood chippings can be quite versatile and can be used in several different ways, depending on your needs and the type of trees the chippings come from. Here are some common ways you might consider using wood chippings:

Mulch

Wood chippings make for excellent mulch around plants and trees. They can help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. However, it’s good to note that freshly chipped wood may extract some nitrogen from the soil as it decomposes. For this reason, you may want to age the chippings or add some nitrogen fertiliser to the soil.

Composting

Wood chippings can be added to your compost pile as a source of carbon. They will take longer to break down than other, softer organic materials like kitchen scraps or grass clippings, so you may want to use them sparingly unless you’re prepared for a long composting process.

Pathways and Play Areas

Wood chippings can be used to create natural-looking pathways in your garden. They also work well as a cushioning surface under playground equipment, although you’ll need a substantial depth of material to provide effective cushioning.

Erosion Control

Wood chips can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes and embankments. They’re particularly useful in this role because they don’t wash away easily.

Animal Bedding

Wood chippings can be used as bedding for animals like chickens, goats, or horses. Note that you should avoid using chippings from trees that are toxic to animals, like black walnut.

Art and Crafts

For the creatively inclined, wood chippings can also be used in various art and craft projects, like making decorative items or even for small woodworking tasks.

Warnings

Pesticides and Chemicals

Make sure the trees haven’t been treated with harmful chemicals or pesticides that might leach into the soil or harm plants or animals.  

Disease

If the trees were diseased, you’ll want to avoid using the chippings in your garden, as they could spread the disease to other plants.

Toxic Woods

Some woods can be harmful to other plants or animals. For instance, black walnut wood chippings can be toxic to some plants.

Invasive Species

Be cautious if your wood chippings include seeds or seedlings from invasive tree species, as these could spread in your garden or local environment.

 

Always consider your specific needs and consult local guidelines or experts if you’re unsure about using wood chippings from your trees.

We cover all areas in East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Kent; including but not limited to:

East Sussex

  • Brighton
  • Hove
  • Hastings
  • Lewes
  • Rother

West Sussex

  • Worthing
  • Crawley
  • Horsham
  • Bognor Regis
  • Littlehampton
  • Shoreham-by-Sea
  • Haywards Heath
  • Burgess Hill
  • East Grinstead
  • Chichester

Surrey

  • Woking
  • Guildford
  • Horley
  • Redhill
  • Dorking
  • Reigate
  • Caterham
  • Leatherhead
  • Godalming

Kent

  • Tunbridge Wells
  • Tonbridge
  • Sevenoaks
  • Maidstone

Yes, trees can potentially damage property in a number of ways:

Structural Damage

Roots

Tree roots can invade the foundation of a home, causing structural instability. They can also damage underground plumbing, sidewalks, and driveways.

Branches

Overhanging branches can scrape roofs, tear off shingles, or break and fall, causing damage to houses, cars, and other structures.

Environmental Issues

Leaf Litter

Leaves can clog gutters, causing water damage through roof leaks or by altering the drainage around a home.

Sap and Resin

Some trees secrete sap that can be difficult to remove and may cause staining to surfaces like driveways or cars parked beneath them.

Natural Disasters

Storms

In a storm, trees can be a liability. Weak or dead branches can break off and damage property or injure people. In extreme cases, the whole tree could be uprooted.

Other Concerns

View

Trees can obstruct scenic views, which some people consider a form of property “damage” in terms of reduced value.

Allergies

Trees can be a source of allergens, which may not damage property but can affect quality of life for those living on the property.

Wildlife

Trees may harbor pests like insects or rodents, which could then infiltrate the home.

Preventive Measures

Proper Planting

Choose the right type of tree for your area and plant it a safe distance from your home and other structures.

Regular Inspection

Regularly inspect trees for signs of disease, infestation, or structural issues.

Trimming

Keep branches well-trimmed and away from buildings, power lines, etc.

Professional Help

Consult arborists for tree assessments, particularly for larger, older trees that are close to structures.

 

Remember, while trees can cause damage, they also offer numerous benefits including aesthetic appeal, shade, privacy, and environmental benefits like air purification and erosion control. It’s all about managing the risks while enjoying the benefits.

The presence of birds or bats can have implications for tree work for several reasons:

Legal Implications

Protected Species

Many bird and bat species are protected by law. Disturbing their nesting or roosting sites can lead to legal consequences.

Breeding Seasons

Some jurisdictions have restrictions on tree work during certain times of the year to protect nesting birds and roosting bats.

Ethical Implications

Animal Welfare

It’s important to consider the welfare of the animals that may be using the trees as their home.

Ecological Implications

Biodiversity

Birds and bats play vital roles in ecosystems, including pest control and pollination. Their presence is often a sign of a healthy environment.

Food Web

Birds and bats serve as prey for other animals, and their absence can have a ripple effect on local ecosystems.

Practical Implications

Timing

You may have to adjust the timing of your tree work to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Work Limitations

Certain types of tree work may be restricted if it poses a risk to birds, bats, or other wildlife.

Steps to Take

Consult Local Regulations

Before starting tree work, consult local and national wildlife laws to understand your responsibilities.

Professional Assessment

In some cases, you may require an ecological survey to check for the presence of protected species.

Alternative Methods

If you find birds or bats, consult with professionals for guidance on how to proceed without causing harm.

 

It’s generally a good idea to consult with arborists and ecologists to understand how best to proceed when birds or bats are present in your trees.

The care of mature trees often requires specialised attention compared to younger or smaller trees. Mature trees are valuable community assets but are also more susceptible to environmental stresses, diseases, and pests due to their age. Here are some considerations for the specialised care of mature trees:

Assessment

Health Assessment

Older trees may have hidden diseases, pest infestations, or structural issues that require careful evaluation.

Risk Assessment

The risk of falling branches or the entire tree falling can be higher, so assessing the structural integrity of a mature tree is crucial.

Pruning

Minimal Impact

Older trees recover more slowly from pruning. Over-pruning can lead to stress and health problems.

Targeted Pruning

Any pruning should target dead, diseased, or hazardous branches while preserving the natural canopy shape as much as possible.

Soil Care

Soil Testing

Essential for determining nutrient deficiencies.

Aeration

Soil compaction can be a significant issue for mature trees.

Watering

Consistent Watering

Older trees have more extensive root systems and may require less frequent but deeper watering.

Drought Stress

Mature trees can be more susceptible to drought stress, especially those in managed landscapes or areas with poor soil conditions.

Pest and Disease Management

Integrated Pest Management

Older trees may be more susceptible to pests and diseases, requiring more regular monitoring and potentially more targeted treatments.

Less Invasive Treatments

Because older trees can be more sensitive to chemicals, less invasive treatments like trunk injections may be preferable to broad-spectrum spraying.

Monitoring

Frequent Inspections

Older trees should be inspected more frequently for signs of disease, pest activity, and structural problems.

Safety Concerns

Public Safety

Because mature trees are larger and have heavier branches, they pose a more significant public safety risk if they are not properly maintained.

Specialised Skills

Experience

Proper care of mature trees often requires arborists with specialised training and experience in dealing with older trees.

 

Arborists who are certified and have experience with mature trees are generally more equipped to provide the specialised care that these trees require. The proper management and care of mature trees are crucial for prolonging their life, minimizing safety risks, and maintaining their aesthetic and ecological value.

If your neighbour’s trees are causing you problems in the UK, there are several steps you could consider taking to resolve the issue:

Initial Steps

Friendly Conversation

Often, issues can be resolved amicably through a simple conversation with your neighbour. Explain your concerns clearly and try to find a mutually beneficial solution.

Written Request

If a verbal request doesn’t resolve the issue, you may want to follow it up with a written request. Keep records of all correspondence for future reference.

Understanding Legal Rights

Overhanging Branches

You are generally entitled to cut any branches that overhang into your property, but you must offer to return the cut branches to your neighbour as they technically own them. You shouldn’t trespass onto your neighbour’s property to cut branches on their side of the boundary.

Roots

The law around roots is complicated. Although you technically can cut roots that encroach onto your property, doing so could damage or kill the tree. This could lead to a legal dispute, so it’s advisable to seek expert advice before taking any such action.

Blocking Light

Under the “Right to Light” in English law, you may have the right to sufficient natural light through windows that have been in place for at least 20 years. However, this law is not straightforward and often requires legal advice.

Dangerous Trees

If the tree is hazardous and poses an immediate risk, the local council can get involved to assess the situation. If necessary, they can issue a notice to the tree owner requiring them to take action.

Professional Advice

Legal Counsel

If friendly requests and written correspondence fail, consult a solicitor experienced in property law for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Surveyor or Arborist

You may need to hire a professional to assess the tree’s condition or impact on your property. This information can be useful if you have to take legal steps.

Legal Actions

Civil Litigation

As a last resort, you may have to take legal action. This is usually expensive and time-consuming and should be considered a last resort.

Local Council

Some councils have “tree preservation orders” (TPOs) which protect specific trees. Make sure the tree in question isn’t subject to a TPO before taking any action. You can be fined for cutting down or trimming a tree with a TPO.

Small Claims Court

For minor disputes, the small claims court can be a less expensive and quicker option.

Insurance

If the tree causes damage to your property, your home insurance policy may cover the costs. You should check your policy terms and conditions to see if this is applicable.

Always consult professional advice when dealing with legal matters. Each case is unique, and it’s essential to understand your legal rights and responsibilities fully.

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