Trees and hedges

Advice for private tree owners

  • Prior to carrying out any work on a tree always contact the local authority to ensure that the trees are not protected by a Tree Protection Order, planning constraints or that the tree falls within a conservation area.
  • Always employ a suitably trained professional tree surgeon, who is covered by public liability insurance, ask for proof.
  • Never employ house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons.
  • A reputable tree surgeon will normally send you a written quotation which will give details of the work to be undertaken, their address and qualifications.

Do

  • inspect your trees regularly;
  • ask for advice from a reputable tree surgeon if you are concerned about anything;
  • ask for advice about fungus or cavities;
  • check for dead or broken branches that may be dangerous if they fall.
  • carry out unnecessary pruning;
  • alter the ground level under a tree, including the excavation or building up the ground;
  • build near a tree;
  • burn any rubbish or bonfires near a tree.