Home Garden Lifestyle

specifically on them. Planning permission will
override TPOs if it is necessary for a tree with a
TPO to be removed for the development to go
ahead. It's also important to bear in mind that it
is illegal to fell trees during breeding season as
it could result in the destruction of nests.
‘If the tree does not have a TPO and is not in a
Conservation Area then you do not require
permission to fell a tree if it is in your garden.
Outside of gardens, you might require a felling
licence from the Forestry Commission.
‘If you are in any doubt about the legalities of
undertaking any works to a tree then look at
getting in contact with your local council’s tree
officer. Failing that, regional officers for the
Forestry Commission may also be able to help
advise you on the best way forward.’
REASONS TO REMOVE A TREE
There are many reasons you may need
to remove a tree, it may be growing too
close to your house allowing the roots
to interfere with the building causing
subsidence, it may be diseased or
damaged which could lead to it
collapsing and doing damage the
house or injuring a person, or simply
because it is blocking out light.
If the tree is too close to the house,
make sure you check your home
insurance policy – sometimes removing
a tree can cause heave – when the
moisture previously sucked up by the
tree is now left to pool and it is safer to
leave it. Ash, willow, elm, poplar and
oak trees all suck up a great deal of
water.
WHO CAN REMOVE THE TREE?
A qualified tree surgeon should always
be used to remove a tree. You can find
a list of Arboricultural Approved Tree
Surgeons here:
www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-Contractor-Directory
CAN WE CUT TREES ALL YEAR?
As trees are home to nesting birds, it is
recommended that you do not cut
down trees between March and
August, which is defined by the RSPCA
as prime breeding season, in case
there is a nest in the tree. The Wildlife
and Countryside Act of 1981 states that