Asked by: Olaya Tondock
home and garden landscaping

Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property UK?

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It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by a TPO, or to cause or permit such actions, without the authority's permission. You can find out if the tree has a TPO by contacting the tree officer at your local council.


Consequently, do you need planning permission to cut down a tree in your garden?

Planning Permission. Many trees are protected by tree preservation orders which means that, in general, you need the council's consent to prune or fell them. If you are unsure about the status of trees which you intend to prune or fell (or you simply require further information) you should contact your council.

Also Know, what trees can be cut down without permission? New trees added to the list include bakain, bamboo, tut, guava and Ailanthus increasing the number to seven. “These trees are used as crops in rural areas therefore do not require any permission before cutting.

In this regard, can I cut a tree down on my own property?

The reality is you are permitted to prune or cut down any tree on your land, regardless of whether it is healthy or not, if it is not subject to a Tree Preservation Order or located with a conservation area. Contrary to popular belief, there is not a blanket protection of all Oak trees.

How much does it cost to cut down a tree UK?

On average expect to pay £500 to £650 for local tree surgeons for a day's work. However, there are smaller companies that only take on easier projects. A team of 1 or 2 workers will cost anywhere from £400 to £550 a day, depending on where you are located.

Related Question Answers

Joana Hyma

Professional

Can I cut down a tree in my garden UK?

It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by a TPO, or to cause or permit such actions, without the authority's permission. You can find out if the tree has a TPO by contacting the tree officer at your local council.

Manpreet Koerfgen

Professional

How close to the house can a tree be?

Generally, trees should sit about 15 feet away from a house. Some large species need a little more room while smaller species can be a bit closer.

Wilian Pavlusha

Professional

How do I get council approval to remove a tree?

If you receive approval, you must then do the following:
  1. You must plant two trees for any regulated tree that is removed or destroyed.
  2. You must plant three trees for any significant tree that is removed or destroyed.
  3. You must pay $75 into the local council's Urban Tree Fund.

Rebbeca Ramalhoso

Explainer

Who pays for fallen tree damage in the UK?

Any damage to your home or garden caused by a tree is generally covered by your buildings insurance. If a tree was to fall from your property, a neighbouring property or from the road, your insurance company will probably recover any costs from whoever 'owned' the tree.

Kathlyn Kacharov

Explainer

Can anyone put a TPO on a tree?

Tree Preservation Orders can help protect woods and trees. A TPO can be placed on any tree, including hedgerow trees but not hedgerows themselves. It can also apply to woodland, although this is less common.

Kristofer Plikhin

Pundit

Can I cut down a silver birch tree in my garden UK?

I live in the UK and as far as I'm aware, there are no countries where Betula pendula, silver birch, is protected. In fact, since it is a pioneer tree, it will readily grow and is more of a pest than a rarity. Furthermore in the UK you can prune a tree but you need planning permission to fell one in a residential area.

Temenuzhka Illien

Pundit

How do you find out if a tree has a TPO?

Find out if a tree is protected. The locations of sites that have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in place are now available on our GIS mapping system. You can also request a copy of a Tree Preservation Order. Please note: It may take up to 10 working days to copy and supply the documents.

Randi Eraso

Pundit

How much does it cost to take down a tree?

The average cost to remove a tree ranges from $100 to $1,800 with most homeowners spending about $700. For small trees up to 30 feet high you can expect to spend $250, for trees between 30 and 60 feet prices range from $300 to $700, and to cut down large trees over 60 feet costs between $700 and $1,800.

Dieynaba Zeriouh

Pundit

Who owns trees in right of way?

The property owner is responsible for the timely removal of leaves and tree limbs which fall onto the sidewalk, street and other public right-of-way. No owner or person in charge of property shall sweep or rake grass clippings, leaves, or tree limbs onto public sidewalks, streets, or other public right-of-way.

Gorete Callegari

Pundit

How much does it cost to cut down a palm tree?

The average cost to remove a palm tree is approximately $150 to $500+ to remove if their height is 30 feet. If they're 80 feet tall or more, you might spend $1,100 to $1,500 to have the tree professionally felled. Palm trees have teeth, which means they have to be roped down instead of simply cut with chainsaws.

Hamilton Fontdevila

Teacher

How long can a dead tree stand?

But because every tree is different, there's no saying how long a dead tree will stand before it falls. It could be days or years. In fact, sometimes trees that appear healthy can even fall during a storm.

Chenoa Mageshkumar

Teacher

How do you kill a tree?

Method 1 Girdling the Tree
  1. Remove any loose bark. Girdling is a method for killing a tree by interrupting the flow of sap between the roots and crown of the tree.
  2. Put on safety gear.
  3. Make a cut around the circumference of the tree.
  4. Make a second cut around the circumference of the tree.
  5. Apply herbicide.
  6. Wait.

Dafne Tugujekov

Teacher

What is a TPO on a tree?

Tree preservation order. A TPO is made by a local planning authority (usually a local council) to protect specific trees or a particular area, group or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction if those trees are important for the amenity of the area.

Sajid Oltrop

Teacher

Can the city cut down my tree?

It is legal to remove a tree on your property if the tree is not protected by the city. Every city and county have what is called a Tree removal Ordinance which is a list of Regulations/ laws for the removal of trees. Some cities have strict laws on cutting down trees, whereas others are quite lenient.

Beatriz Lawn

Reviewer

Is it illegal to cut down Magnolia trees?

Trees can be protected at both the state and federal level. Federally protected trees such as Ashe's Magnolia (Magnolia ashei) are considered rare in all parts of their native range. It is illegal to cut down these trees.

Eneko Jemchugov

Reviewer

How much does it cost to cut down a 100 ft tree?

The average cost to remove a tree ranges from $150 to $1,500. But other tree services may cost extra. For example, the average stump removal cost ranges from $60 to $350 and the average stump grinding costs $75-$1,000 depending on numerous factors.

Hovhannes Cata

Reviewer

What size trees can I cut down?

A permit is required to remove, cut down or in any other way injure a tree with a diameter of 30 cm (12 inches or the approximate thickness of a telephone pole) or more on private property. The tree diameter measurement must be taken at 1.4 m (4.5 feet or approximately at chest height) above ground level.

Aldrin Chaoui

Supporter

How do I get permission to cut a tree?

According to the rules of most cities, trees can be cut only if it causes a threat to life or property and it can be done only after getting permission from the District Forest Officer. In cases where permission is not taken, penalties can be imposed depending upon the value of the tree, which is based on its age.

Expedito Luib

Supporter

Why shouldnt we cut down trees?

Cutting down of trees is known as deforestation. Secondly, when trees are cut down, the soil is left bare. The remaining part of the tree dries up and the roots no longer hold the soil together. This leaves the soil exposed and in danger of being eroded by the agents of soil erosion i.e. water, wind, animals.