How To Get Council To Cut Trees in UK

council to cut trees

Local councils typically have an individual section that deals with inquiries, disturbances, structural damage, and blockages caused by trees they own. You need to consider the idea of consulting a council to cut trees.

There is usually an area of the planning department dedicated to dealing with issues, issues and disputes related to trees in every local council in the UK. There will also be a tree management team in your local area that will take care of all trees on public property.

In three main circumstances, you need to consult the council to cut trees:

  • As a result of the dispute, the council will not cut any trees in the case at hand. Still, it will arbitrate between the two neighbours to come to a compromise about a tree that has overgrown and is overhanging the gardens of the neighbouring property.
  • Councils will lop, prune, or remove diseased or dangerous trees on the council-owned property.
  • The government has to remove trees on public land that are a nuisance or a danger.

Types of Land

Private Land

Tree maintenance and tree removal are the property owner’s responsibilities on private property since the council does not cut down trees. Local councils may decide whether and how to cut down trees.

Trees that are causing disturbances to neighbour properties are also something that a council can help with if there is a disagreement over the boundaries between the properties.

Council Owned Land

If you own land and there are dangerous trees on it, you can contact the local council and request them to cut them back. The tree could be pruned or chopped down entirely according to your request.

Public Land

It is permissible to cut back overhanging branches of a council-owned tree to the boundary on your land, but not further. Cuttings should be disposed of yourself. Generally, you must speak to the council before cutting down a tree in a conservation area. A homeowner may request that a tree on public land be cut because it is adjacent to his property and interferes with it. This request to the local council is usually made for one of the following reasons:-

  • Property is overshadowed by it.
  • Leaves are dropping excessively, or fruit-like berries are falling.
  • Shaded by the canopy, the solar panels on the house generate green energy.
  • Shadows are cast over the garden or into the house by the tree.
  • The root structure has grown invasively through drain runs, causing structural damage or blockages.

There are differences in the way that different councils handle applications for tree cuttings. Usually, the council hires an arborist to inspect the tree and the site and to provide a professional opinion based on their findings. The correct thing to do is to keep the tree whenever possible.

What is the cost of cutting a tree?

Tree lopping, pruning, or chopping depend on circumstances and what you wish to accomplish. The cost of a tree surgeon depends on the size and condition of the tree. It can range from several hundred pounds up to several thousand pounds.

Can I remove my tree without the council’s permission?

Depending on where you live, there will be a Tree Preservation Order for your local council.

There are different rules each council has concerning the protection of trees and the size of trees they consider to be protected.

A tree must have at least a 1m trunk circumference to be deemed significant in most parts. When you get the council to cut trees, the approval will be optional for anything smaller.

There are some places where you must obtain council permission before removing a tree over 3m tall. You must consult your local council’s Tree Preservation Order before beginning any work. Read out the  law and legislation before makingany step.

Does the council remove trees on private property?

If you have a boundary tree on your property and one on public land, you may be able to have the council pay for at least half of the removal cost.

You might not need to pay in some cases if they remove the entire tree.

You are unlikely to be covered by the council for the entire cost of removing a tree on your property. If a tree is on their property, it will only be pruned or removed.

Does my insurance policy cover tree removal?

As long as your tree is still standing and healthy, then no. You may be entitled to compensation if it has fallen during a storm. However, I must point out one small caveat. Your insurer will not cover you if the tree has been killed or fallen.

Keeping your property’s trees healthy, including removing dead trees, is the responsibility of every homeowner. If the tree still stands, you cannot claim after the tree has fallen.

 

Conclusion

You must bring a council to cut trees if you have a big tree. However, it is necessary to get council permission in the UK. You need to consider many things while getting the council to cut trees to follow the process correctly.

Thus, you need to be prepared to get rid of the tree.

For more tips and information, follow kitchenandgardening