The importance of protected Trees and how to identify Them

Trees play an essential part in the environment, providing shade, clean air, and aesthetic value to our surroundings. However there are a few trees that aren’t identical and some are granted additional protection status, making it illegal to carry out any work without permission. If you’re considering having a tree removed it is essential to know the protection status of the tree in question, and what steps you’ll need to take to ensure compliance with the legal requirements. In this article, we will help you understand the steps to determine if a tree is secured and the steps you need take to be sure you are acting within the law.
What exactly is a tree that is protected?
A protected tree can be subject to specific laws and regulations It is illegal to work on a protected tree without the required permissions. There are two types of protection that a tree may have - statutory protection and preservation orders.
Legal protection
In the context of statutory protection trees are protected under laws and under the control of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). TPOs are put in place by local authorities in order to protect trees of significant value to the public and ensure they are not destroyed or damaged.
Preservation orders
Preservation orders are like TPOs in that they are issued by the Secretary of State for the Environment. Trees with preservation orders are considered to have an exceptional worth and are therefore protected from any kind of work, including felling.
How can I tell whether a tree is safe?
To determine if the tree is protected, you will need to determine if the tree is under a TPO or preservation order. It is done by contacting your authorities in your area and asking them look up their archives.
TPO search
To search for the TPO, you can contact your local Tree and Woodland Officer of your local authority, who will be able to tell you if the tree is protected. They will also be able advise you about the next steps to do if your tree is in a protected area.
Preservation order search
If you are looking for a preservation order you’ll need to call Secretary of State, Department of the Environment. They can inform you if the tree is protected and give you the required information and guidelines.
FAQs:
What happens if I carry out work on a protected tree without permission?
If you work on a tree that is protected without the proper authorizations, you could be subject to significant fines, and possibly even jail time.
Can I contest a TPO Or preservation or TPO?
Yes, you are able to appeal to a TPO or preservation decision if you feel it’s not justifiable. But, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim and explain that you believe that the TPO or order to preserve isn’t necessary.
Can I remove a protected tree?
It is illegal to remove protected trees without permission from the appropriate authorities. If you need removal of the tree it is necessary to request permission and submit evidence to support your case.
Conclusion
To conclude, knowing if trees are protected is an essential step in ensuring that any tree work carried out legally. Understanding the different kinds of protection and how to determine if they are protected it is possible to be sure that you’re in compliance with the law and safeguarding the trees in your care. If you’re not sure about the protection status of a tree, we recommend seeking professional advice from an experienced tree expert such as The Hills Tree Trimming. Our experienced arborists will be able to advise you regarding the status of protection of your trees and walk you through the necessary steps to make sure you’re following the law. With our expertise and commitment to providing high-quality tree services We can assist you to keep the beauty and worth that your trees have. Contact us now by phone at 0480 024 203 to schedule a consultation and let us guide you on how to keep your trees safe and healthy.