Dead or dangerous trees
Any protected tree that is dead and/or imminently dangerous can be removed without the need to submit an application to gain permission from the Council. If a part of a tree poses an imminent danger, such as being split or having a hanging limb, that part which poses the danger may be pruned without first making an application to gain permission.
However, the onus of proof that a tree was dead or imminently dangerous rests with the tree owner. If you plan to remove a tree without an application, and if safe to do so, it is advisable to give the Council five days notice. This will give the Tree officer an opportunity to make a site visit to check that the tree is dead or imminently dangerous and confirm that it can be removed without consent. If the Tree Officer has not visited the site prior to a trees removal it is a good idea to take a photo of the tree which shows its condition.