Tree Preservation Order

Sid91

Hi,
I'm just looking for some advice really. We bought our house 2 years ago. There's a tree on our property which we believe is subject to a tree preservation order. However, when I rang the council to check this out, they couldn't specifically say which tree it was. They just said "any tree on your property which was planted before you bought the house is subject to the order" this is fine but we don't know what was planted before and what was planted after? 😂 Long story short, we want to get rid of the tree. It's larger than our house, it's now ripping our fence up and I'm worried it will start affecting the foundations of our house. I've noticed lately that people on our street have just been chopping trees down all over the place and I doubt they have permission so should I maybe just risk it and do the same? How would the council potentially find out. Before anyone says it, I know the consequences if I get caught and yes I knew the tree was there when we moved in but if it is subject to an order then the council must of known that eventually the tree would start affecting the property due to its size? Its an Ash tree I believe! Any help would be greatly appreciated 😊

Sid91

Sorry I meant to say the trees that were planted before the house was built!

gwynlas

You can apply to have the order rescinded if it is causing damage ask for a site visit from the councils arboculture officer,
For a substantial tree to be brought down safely you will need a good tree surgeon who will dispose of all debris,

Farway

Have you tried looking on council web site? Not phoning

I believe every tree subject to TPO has a unique identity number, and this has to be shown on a map,with OS coordinates, not vaguely "it's somewhere around here"

Here 's one for Poole, try googling for map of TPO in wherever you are

https://www.poole.gov.uk/environmental-problems/trees-and-hedges-management-and-protection/privately-owned-tree-works-and-preservation/tree-preservation-orders/

ally1974

Sounds like your property is in a conservation area, is that right? If it is then there's a blanket protection order as trees contribute to the character of conservation areas. Ignore what neighbours are doing- if they're daft enough to carry out works without permission that's up to them but I always think that if you know the rules why are you trying to sneak around them? What does it matter if you follow them correctly?! Besides, any decent tree surgeon won't touch the job unless you have your consent in your hand.
If your local authority has a tree officer try to see if you can get advice. May have to pay but cheaper than a fine! You do need to do such works at certain times of the year so you don't disturb nesting birds (pretty certain that's unlawful!) so the tree officer can advise. Am assuming you've looked on the council website already for as much info as you can get off that.
Hope that helps.

Browntoa

Full guide to TPO

https://www.trees.org.uk/Help-Advice/Public/A-brief-guide-to-legislation-for-trees

No way just cut down