Someone is cutting down trees. Can they do this?

If they are not subject to protection there is no restriction on what an owner can do to their trees.

If the trees are protected either by a Tree Preservation Order or by the fact that they grow in a conservation area, written authority from the council should have been obtained first. If this has not been done then the works are unauthorised and may be illegal.

• Trees in conservation areas
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
• Making a tree work application

Someone is cutting down trees I believe to be protected. Can someone come out and stop them?

Telephone the council immediately.

• Trees contacts

Let the answering officer have your name, address and telephone number and the location of the tree(s), and we will get someone out as soon as possible.

The council cannot accept anonymous complaints.

Someone has carried out works to some trees which I believe are or were protected. What can I do ?

You should fill out a complaints form and send it to the council:

• Suspected illegal tree work/damage complaint form

The council cannot accept anonymous complaints.

What happens after I have made a complaint?

Council officers will investigate the complaint and take action as necessary. This may be anything from a verbal or written warning, to a formal caution, to prosecution in the courts.

What is a formal caution?

This is a written warning which is kept on file and may be used in support of any prosecution for any repeat offence. The court will take the fact that a caution has been issued into consideration when deciding upon a penalty.

What are the penalties if someone is prosecuted through the courts?

There is a maximum fine of £20,000 per offence for destroying a tree or carrying out works likely to destroy it. For other breaches of legislation i.e. damaging a tree in a manner not likely to destroy it, the maximum penalty is £2,500 for each offence.

Will I be notified of the outcome of my complaint?

Yes.

If I make a complaint, will my name be given to the person I am complaining about?

No. Every complainant is guaranteed confidentiality.

Trees contacts

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), trees in conservation areas and tree work applications

Report trees causing an obstruction on pavements and footpaths, or obscuring street lighting

• Report Overhanging vegetation and/or weeds

Find out who owns trees

• Land ownership

Trees owned by the council