Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cut my tree if it has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

With the appropriate TPO application outlining reasonable and clear specifications, tree pruning and felling operations can be granted. The local authority commonly requires a tree survey report as evidence to support the reason for operations.

Is my tree dangerous?

Whilst the risk from trees is generally low, it is normally the job of a Arboriculturist to determine whether a tree is dangerous or not, on a case-by-case basis. Where trees stand within falling distance to significant targets such as people and property, they should be regularly inspected by an Arboriculturist.

What if my tree falls into the road?

The Highways Authority is responsible for the continuity of the public highways. Therefore, if a tree falls into the road from a private property, it is more than likely they will come to clear it up.

However, they do not take responsibility for harm as a result of a tree falling from a private property. For instance, if your tree strikes a person, a car or causes a motor incident, you may be liable for damages.

Does my tree have Ash Dieback Disease?

Ash Dieback Disease (ADB) was first recorded in the UK in 2012 and is now a very common disease throughout most of the country. It is reported that approximately 90% of ash trees in the UK will die from ADB infections.

It is normally the job of a Arboriculturist to determine whether a tree has ADB and propose what course of action to take, if any.

Do I need a Tree Survey for a planning application?

If there are trees on or close to the site you wish to gain planning permission on, then you will most likely need a Tree Survey to support a successful planning application.

Who should pay for my neighbour's tree to be cut?

Your neighbour has no obligation to cut their trees because they overhang your property, though it is common for neighbours to come to a friendly agreement on the tree management costs.

If your neighbour's tree(s) in question causes damage to persons or property, they would likely be liable for those damages. So, it is quite often in the tree owners interest to consult with an Arboriculturist regarding the condition and risk posed to people and property by their boundary trees.

What is a Tree Survey?

A Tree Survey is a broad term used to describe the collection of information on trees. The particular direction of a Tree Survey should be influenced by the objectives of the client.

Why do I need a Tree Survey?

A) You want to improve the condition of your tree(s) to prolong their lifespan.

B) You want to enhance the relationship between your tree(s) and your site.

C) You may owe a duty of care to:

The general public
The people who visit your site
Your neighbours and their property
The people who work on your site

A professional tree survey is a big step towards dispensing this duty of care.

D) Tree Surveys are often required as evidence to support various planning applications.

How often should my tree be inspected?

It should be stated in the report from your last Tree Survey.

Both common law and statute law are ambiguous on this topic, but the general guidance is to have trees inspected regularly based on the site usage. As a general rule of thumb:

Very high usage (1 year)
High usage (2 years)
Medium usage (3 years)
Low usage (4 years)
Very low usage (5 years)

There is no one shoe that fits all here, and it's always best to follow the advice of a professional Arboriculturist. For instance, sites with very high usage but only small trees may only require inspecting every 4 years, whereas sites with very low usage but large trees may actually require inspecting every 2 years.

How much does a Tree Survey cost?

The cost of a Tree Survey can vary, but will largely be influenced by the following factors:

The amount of trees on the site
The level of detail required and how it is recorded
The age classification of the trees
The level of usage the site experiences