TREE WORRIES

Trees are wonderful features of our landscapes and play a vital role in ecosystems, climate and the aesthetics of our natural surroundings. Sometimes, though, they can cause problems when the branches or roots along a property boundary cross into the garden, creating unwanted shade from branches, or roots in the flower or vegetable patch or, worse, getting into foundations of houses or other structures. They also suffer from diseases and this can be a concern if the pathogen is serious such as ash dieback or sudden oak death If such issues occur and pathogens such as Phytophthora (a genus of plant-damaging oomycete fungi).

You should always consult a qualified arboriculturist[1] about tree issues, or talk to your local Tree Officer – most Local Authorities have one. Here, though, are some general tips about what householders can, cannot, or should not do. As always, the Royal Horticultural Society has much good advice which you can find at https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/the-law. Here is a short summary of some of the major points to bear in mind:

·      You can remove branches overhanging your property as long as you don’t enter neighbouring land without permission. Subject to the below, you do not strictly need permission to cut overhanging branches but it is simply good manners to do so. You should offer the lopped branches back to the tree owner and dispose of them if they are not wanted.

·      Do not cut back the tree beyond your boundary line.

·      Be careful not to carry out any works to a tree with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on it unless you first obtain permission from your Local Authority. The same applies if the tree is in a scheduled site such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest of Conservation Area.

·      Be aware that you will be liable if you cause damage to the tree by your actions. This might include introduction of pathogens, unbalancing the tree or suchlike. Consult an arboriculturist in advance who has liability insurance.

·      Remember that the fruit of a fruit tree belongs to the tree’s owner even if it overhangs or drops onto your land.

·      The same general principles apply to roots as to branches.

There is much more detail on the RHS web site.

Betts Ecology will always do our best to help residents of greenspace we manage, so please contact us in the first instance of you have tree problems. 

[1] The Arboricultural Association is on line at https://www.trees.org.uk/ and can provide expert assistance.