Protected Trees

Soldato
Joined
21 Jul 2004
Posts
6,359
Location
Harrow, UK
We have a protected tree just outside our boundary but a considerable amount of its foliage hangs over our driveway. Unfortunately any cars parked in the drive look like a state within a few hours.

Is there anything that can be done, especially since the council's stance is:

There is a tree making a sticky mess on my car/ fruit trees that loose their fruit. Can I have the tree removed?

The council does not remove trees for this reason. These are seasonal problems that pruning cannot solve. However if the mess/fruit occurs on the public highway then we can arrange for the street cleansing department to clean the area.
 
What if I want to work on a tree covered by a tree preservation order?
Apart from special exceptions (see questions 13-15) you (or your agent) must seek permission from the local planning authority by submitting a standard application form to it. The form is available from the Planning Portal (www.planningportal.gov.uk) or the authority. It is important to clearly specify the work you want done and provide information to support your case (such as professional advice on the health of the tree and, in cases of alleged subsidence, professional evidence on the soil, the structure affected and the tree).
Before making an application you may find it helpful to consult a tree surgeon or arboricultural consultant to help you clarify what you need to do. Information on selecting a tree expert can be found at www.tree-care.info/findanarb.

So it's not a complete block to cutting it down, you just have to follow the planning procedure. May be helpful if you've got a mate/associate who could provide a report stating the tree is about to fall down..
 
Hmm, so you can't trim anything that overhangs your border like an ordinary tree?
 
So it's not a complete block to cutting it down, you just have to follow the planning procedure. May be helpful if you've got a mate/associate who could provide a report stating the tree is about to fall down..

Their only protected when they are alive and well.

Any tree experts on these forums? ;)

Hmm, so you can't trim anything that overhangs your border like an ordinary tree?

I could if it wasn't protected.
 
I would highly recommend against killing a tree on purpose that has a tree preservation order on it. The fine for doing so is up to £20k.

Just speak to a tree surgeon about your options and get an application submitted to your local authority to trim it back.
 
I would highly recommend against killing a tree on purpose that has a tree preservation order on it. The fine for doing so is up to £20k.

Just speak to a tree surgeon about your options and get an application submitted to your local authority to trim it back.
This is the only sensible advice.
 
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