Everything You Need to Know
If you are planning tree surgery, it’s vital that you know if there are any Tree Protection Orders relating to trees on your property. Here is everything you need to know about them, along with why working with a tree surgeon Essex customers trust is vital if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
What Are Tree Preservation Orders?
Tree Preservation Orders were created to protect specific trees or larger areas such as woodlands. More commonly known as TPOs, they are issued by local authorities to prevent work such as pruning or felling without prior permission. So, why are they issued in the first place? Well, some trees have significant value – whether that’s historical or due to the environmental benefits that they offer. There are so many reasons why a TPO might be issued!
Breaching a TPO is a criminal offence that could cost you a lot of money. You could be fined up to £20,000 for destroying a tree, and up to £2,500 for other works without consent. In the most serious cases, fines can actually be unlimited.
How to Check if a Tree Has a TPO
Before beginning any tree surgery on your home or business premises, it’s essential to see whether a TPO is in place or not. You can do this by contacting your local planning authority, as they will have records of all TPOs in the area. If the tree is located on private land, then you may be able to find information pertaining to any TPOs on the property’s deeds.
When it comes to TPOs, ignorance is not a valid defence if you are found to have breached one. So, check now to avoid any consequences further down the line!
How TPOs Affect Tree Surgery
If a tree is covered by a TPO, any work that you want to carry out on it must receive formal consent from the local authority. Begin by submitting an application outlining the type and reason for the work. Excessive pruning or unnecessary removal is likely to be denied, so try to be realistic with what you are hoping to achieve. If you are lucky enough to get consent, it may come with certain conditions. Be certain to follow these to the letter!
Working with a Trusted Tree Surgeon
Navigating TPO regulations can be complex, which is why working with an experienced and reputable tree surgeon is nothing short of essential. They will have a great understanding of TPO laws and will be able to guide you through the application process. They’ll also take a good look at your tree(s) and tell you what kind of actions are recommended, giving your application extra credibility.
When it comes to the work itself, fully qualified tree surgeons are trained to use methods that keep any harm to protected trees to an absolute minimum. Hiring someone who doesn’t know what they are doing can lead to you falling foul of any restrictions, paving the way for a day in court!
What Next?
If you’re unsure about the status of a tree on your property or need professional assistance, consult a trusted tree surgeon today! They will be able to help you navigate the next steps of the process with care and compassion, keeping any stress to a minimum.
