In this section
 
 

Carrying out work on a protected tree

Do I need a Forestry Commission felling licence to cut down trees covered by a tree preservation order?

Whether or not a tree preservation order is in force you must first apply to the Forestry Commission for a felling licence if you want to cut down trees containing more than five cubic metres of wood - as long as no more than two cubic metres of any exempt amount are sold - in any calendar quarter. There are exceptions to this rule which are set out in the Forestry Act 1967 and Regulations made under that Act. For example, you do not need a licence for felling trees in gardens.

If a licence is required and the trees are covered by a tree preservation order, the Forestry Commission will deal with your application in consultation with the Council. Where the Commission proposes to grant a licence it will first give notice to the local planning authority. In such cases the Council has the right to object to the proposal and if it does so the application will be referred for decision to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Applicants should note that the Commission almost always requires felled trees to be restocked and does not normally grant licences to change woodland to agricultural use.

What if I want to work on a protected tree but don't need a felling licence?

You can write to the Council to seek permission, specifying the trees, what you want to do and why. For more information please visit the tree work application page.

You may find it helpful to consult a tree surgeon to clarify what you need to do. The Arboricultural Association has a list of approved tree surgery contractors (write to Ampfield House, Ampfield, Romsey, Hants SO5 9PA, or telephone (01794) 368717).

Do I always need the Council's permission to work on a protected tree?

Yes, except for:

  • cutting down trees in accordance with one of the Forestry Commission's grant schemes, or where the Commission has granted a felling licence - see question 11
  • cutting down or cutting back a tree:
  • which is dying, dead, dangerous, or
  • in line with an obligation under an Act of Parliament, or
  • at the request of certain organisations specified in the order, or
  • which is directly in the way of development that is about to start for which detailed planning permission has been granted, or
  • in a commercial orchard, or pruning fruit trees in accordance with good horticultural practice, or
  • to prevent or control a legal nuisance (you may find it helpful to check first with a solicitor).

If you are in any doubt, check with your local planning authority.

If I don't need the Council's or Forestry Commission's permission, do I still have to inform them of any work I intend to carry out?

Except in an emergency you are advised to give your local planning authority at least five days' notice before you cut down a protected tree which is dying, dead or dangerous. This is in your interests - you could be prosecuted if the authority thinks you have carried out unauthorised work. It could also decide that you do not have to plant a replacement tree. You must remember, however, that you will remain responsible for your trees and any damage they may cause.

When will I have to plant a replacement tree?

You will have to replant:

  • if you cut down or destroy a protected tree:
  • in breach of an order, or
  • except in the case of woodland, because the tree is dying, dead or dangerous,
  • unless the planning authority says you need not;
  • if the planning authority gives you permission to cut down a protected tree but makes replanting a condition of its consent;
  • in most cases where the Forestry Commission grants a felling licence.

Local planning authorities have legal powers to ensure that you plant a replacement tree when required.

What happens if I carry out work on a protected tree without permission?

If you deliberately destroy a tree, or damage it in a manner likely to destroy it, you could be fined up to £20,000 if convicted in the magistrate's court. In determining the amount of the fine, the court will take account of any financial benefit arising from the offence. For other offences you could be fined up to £2,500.

You will normally have to plant a replacement tree if the tree was cut down or destroyed.

What if my application to carry out work on a protected tree is refused, or I object to the conditions imposed by the Council?

You can appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in writing within 28 days of receiving the decision. The planning authority should give the address.

Appeals are normally decided without a formal hearing, on the basis of written statements followed by a site visit. Both you and the local planning authority have the right instead to a public local inquiry or hearing.

The Secretary of State may allow or dismiss the appeal, or vary the original decision.

For more advice and information relevant to Richmond upon Thames, please contact the Borough’s Tree Section.