If you are a UK resident and have a tree on your property that you want to cut off, then you might have to reconsider the decision. Reconsider the decision, here does not mean that you will not be able to cut down the tree on your property. The decision of cutting down trees on your property is a matter of careful consideration. It is not something that can be taken lightly.
To begin with, the most important concern about cutting down a tree is associated with the safety and prevention of property damage or any kind of damage to any third party. For this, you will essentially require a skilled and efficient professional like a certified tree surgeon Cheltenham. While cutting down a tree might sometimes be the only viable option, the laws surrounding the cutting of trees in the UK are quite complex.
As a matter of fact, no matter if you want to fall or if you want to prevent the felling of trees, in the UK, tree protection and preservation laws are quite complex. In this post, you will learn everything about tree felling and what your options are if you want to cut down a tree on your property.
Simply read on to find out all the laws and regulations surrounding tree felling. This guide will help you understand the basics as well as the preservation laws. You can get a comprehensive idea about the best practices when thinking about cutting down a tree and you can also get a few alternatives that can work for you.
Felling A Tree In Your Garden: All You Need To Know
A lot of homeowners are often faced with the situation where they want to cut down a tree in their garden. This can be for a variety of reasons. However, the laws in this field are quite complicated. There are a number of common questions asked by homeowners when thinking about cutting a tree on their properties. Here are some of them, answered for you!
Do I need permission to cut down a tree?
To begin with, if you are the sole owner of your home, then you will not require any permission to cut down a tree on your property. However, there are exceptions to this statement. You do not require permission to cut down a tree on your property unless:
- The tree is located in a conservation area.
- The tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order.
Then comes the need for professional tree removal assistants or a certified and specialist local tree surgeon. However, there are a number of other things to know about tree felling on your property. Let us take a look at some of the legal guidelines and things to know about tree felling in your garden.
Things To Know About Tree Removal In Your Garden
- If you have rented a home, then you will mandatorily require the landlord’s permission to remove a tree.
- If you are removing a tree from your property, then any damages or injuries caused to a neighbour or third party during the process will be your sole liability. For instance, if the tree falls in an unexpected direction damaging a garden shed or the fence of your neighbour.
- As a part of tree maintenance, your neighbours have the right to cut any overhanging branches. These are those that have entered their property perimeters, even if the trunk is in your garden. However, the branches cut by them continue to be your property.
Answering the question of the need for permission to cut a tree, it must be added that a felling licence is required if the tree is located outside a private property. It is illegal to cut a tree on public property without permission or a valid felling licence.
Can you get fined for cutting a tree down?
This is another very commonly asked question by many homeowners across the UK. Whoever thinks of cutting a tree will naturally be concerned about legal guidelines and any legal consequences associated with the action. This is once again where a specialist tree surgeon can be of great help.
As said earlier, cutting a tree in your private garden is not illegal. You will not be fined for doing the same given you keep in mind the regulations stated above. However, you must also ensure the process is carried out by certified and licensed tree removal assistants to ensure safety and avoid any damages to third-party or public properties. Any damages caused to such entities or properties would hold you liable.
Knowing About The Regulations
It must also be known that as per government regulations, if the tree, or trees being cut down, produce 5 cubic metres of timber by volume, then it is usually an offence to fell without a felling licence. This is when you might be fined for cutting down a tree.
If you are cutting down a tree outside your private garden, then you will need a felling licence. The government department issuing the licence will discuss the terms and conditions with you before they issue the felling licence.
The terms and conditions usually include various aspects. These are replanting the area and tree maintenance of the planted area for a certain period of time. However, the licences issued for thinning woodland do not usually come with a restocking condition.
Apart from that, here is what you should know about fines and penalties associated with tree felling.
- If you cut a tree under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or one that is located in a Conservation area, then you will be fined up to £20,000.
- You can also be prosecuted for felling without a licence.
- You will be served a notice to replace any protected trees that have been damaged or destroyed.
The same rule also applies to tree felling that generates timber over 5 cubic metres in volume (be it an individual tree or multiple smaller trees). The fines for not having felling licences vary upon the country and the type of offence. Wales imposes a fine of up to £2,500. Or it can be double the value of the trees, whichever is higher. In Scotland, the fines can go up to £5,000 per tree, along with a criminal record.
How much does it cost to remove a tree near me?
The next pressing question on the mind of UK homeowners is tree removal costs. This is when you will need a local, reliable and reputed tree surgeon to carry out the tree removal process. As per the current market rates, labour costs will be somewhere between £40 and £50 per hour. This is for a two-man team.
Tree removal costs in the UK for a full day would be approximately in the range of £320 to £400. You must also remember that the total cost of tree felling is variable. It will be depending upon the conditions, size, and location of the tree. Ideally, you can expect a pocket pinch of £400 to a maximum of £3,000 as tree removal costs in the UK.
However, you need to find a skilled, certified and experienced tree surgeon. They must have a team of trained tree removal assistants to ensure quick and efficient work under complete safety.
Ending Note
You can definitely cut down a tree in your private garden staying within the legal bounds. Make sure you hire a local and efficient tree surgeon. They must offer the best services at the most reasonable prices. A team of qualified and knowledgeable tree removal assistants will ensure the entire task is carried out seamlessly keeping in mind all legal regulations. They will ensure safe, seamless and fast tree removal without any hassles or legal complications.
