Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of any tree on their land. This responsibility may extend to occupiers and other parties where legal agreements exist.
However, the law affecting trees is like most legal matters, somewhat complicated so far as the lay person is concerned. The following examples are given for guidance only and apply to some of the commoner causes of concern, but it is advisable to seek professional advice if there is any doubt.
If you seek advice about privately owned trees which are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, Planning Condition, Legal Agreement (s106), or are within a Conservation Area, the Council's Tree Team may be able to assist via our pre-application advice service (a charged for service).
For trees not covered by a Tree Preservation Order, Planning Condition, Legal Agreement (s106), or are within a Conservation Area you can obtain advice from the following sources:
Arboricultural Association (AA)
The AA is a registered charity concerned with raising the standards of tree care and maintains a directory of registered consultants on it's website.
A Registered Consultant of the Arboricultural Association is a person with proven experience in the assessment and management of trees at a professional level, who will be able to provide authoritative advice on all matters related to trees.
The Association also produces a range of publications on amenity tree care which are available at minimal cost.
Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)
The ICF is the Royal Chartered body for foresters and arboriculturists in the UK. Similar to the AA, it publishes a directory of registered arboricultural consultants on it's website.