FAQs

Q: What is a TPO?

A: Planning authorities have powers to protect trees by making tree preservation orders. The issue of a TPO makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy any protected trees without first having obtained permission from the local authority.

Q: What is a conservation area?

A: A conservation area is a tract of land that has been awarded protective status in order to ensure that natural features, cultural heritage or both are safeguarded. A conservation area may be a nature reserve, a park, a land reclamation project or other area.

Q: What responsibilties do I have as a tree owner?

A: If a tree is grown on your property, you have the responsibilty to ensure that it is maintained in a safe state and that it does not cause damage or injury to others. In law this is dealt with under the common law duty - the duty of care.

Q: When should my tree or hedge be cut?

A: There are many different types of trees and hedges, but It is recommended that work is carried out after leaf fall and before bud burst. However, this does not apply to all species, for example "prunus" species (plum, cherry & other related trees) should be cut soon after flowering to reduce the risk of infection. Most common species of hedge can be cut any time of year.

Q: Can i get a quote over the phone?

A:  Whilst it is true to say trees grow in similar ways, very few live in the same enviroment. It is practically impossible to quote a job over the phone without a qualified body completing a site inspection. This is a free, no obilgation excercise.