•  Are my Trees protected?

Trees may be protected in a number of ways. Within a Conservation Area, initial protection is afforded to all types of tree which have a stem diameter (measured at 1.5 m above the ground) greater than 7.5cm. Consent is not required from your Local Planning Authority (LPA), but 6 weeks written notification of intended works must be provided.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO's) provide a high level of protection for selected trees and woodlands or named types of trees within groups or given areas. Written consent is required from the LPA before carrying out any works and this normally takes around 8 weeks.

Trees on development sites or near recently built houses, may be protected by virtue of conditions attached to Planning Permissions. These may require the consent of the LPA before carrying out works or perhaps, enforce the replacement of dead trees.

Carrying out work to trees because they have become dead, dying or dangerous may not require permission - If you are concerned please give us a call.

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•  Why is it important to use Midland Tree Surgeons to do my tree work?

We at Midland Tree Surgeons are experts within our field. Trees are of fundamental importance to all our lives and are commonly a real asset to our homes and gardens as well as being legally protected. When pruning trees, it is essential to understand how trees themselves function and to fully understand the characteristics of the different species. When trees are in an unsuitable location or are diseased or dead their removal is potentially both dangerous and damaging to nearby property etc. We are experienced, qualified and comprehensively insured for undertaking all types of tree surgery work. Please remember - when instructing people to carry out work on your behalf that you have a duty to ensure they are qualified, appropriately insured and comply with Health and Safety Law.

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•  Are Midland Tree Surgeons too large to do my tree work?

Throughout our 35 years of trading, we have established a diverse client base ranging from clients with a small cherry tree that we prune every few years, to large commercial clients who require many hundreds of trees managing at any one time. Our repeat custom from domestic clients with a few trees proves that we treat them with the same respect and professionalism as we extend to larger clients.

The size of the firm along with our diverse client base ensures that we have the in-house expertise and equipment to deal with any scenario, no matter how big or small.

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•  Is it a report I need, or a free quotation?

We offer free non-obligation, fixed price quotations for tree work and always take the time to view the trees in the first instance. Our experienced and qualified staff are happy to advise on site as to the most appropriate method of tree management. Should you have a great many trees and be unclear about the works required or be acting for a third party, then you may require a Tree Survey with Recommendations. We will be happy to provide you with a fixed cost for this work. If you require a formal, recorded professional opinion, that may, for instance be required by a Mortgage lender, Insurance company, Planning Consultant/Authority or any other professional body, then It will be a report by one of our Consultants that is required. Depending on the nature of the report, it may be possible to provide an initial quotation over the phone. We are always happy to discuss any issues you are unsure about - just give us a call.

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•  Will Birds or Bats make any difference to my tree work?

If any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge then it is legally protected, so long as the nest is in use. This may prohibit certain types of tree pruning or removal. Removing dense hedges or substantially reducing them in height is likely to disturb nesting birds, but annual trimming may be acceptable. Birds commonly nest between March and the end of July.

Many kinds of bats use trees to roost in, either for long or short periods of time. Bats are all protected and when carrying out works to a tree that is likely to contain bats, it may be necessary to survey it first.

We have trained staff that can do this for you.

If tree work must be carried out in an emergency, then this may override protected species and we can advise you where required

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•  Will trees damage my property?

Trees should be regarded as real assets to our homes and gardens. However, occasionally they can conflict with nearby structures.

•  If a tree grows very close (typically within 1.5m) of a lightly loaded wall or structure then as it grows, the base of the stem or the large diameter roots very close to the trunk may exert pressure and cause it to yield/ lift.

•  If a house is founded upon a shrinkable clay soil, then trees may cause or add to movement damage due to the soil drying out. Some trees require more moisture than others but all trees will require more moisture when they are fully grown with a large crown.

•  Trees close to drains and sewers etc, may cause 'direct' damage if very close. At a greater distance it is common for tree roots to enter a pipe via an existing hole / gap and then to cause a blockage once the roots multiply. Where possible, clearing roots and inserting a flexible liner may solve the problem. This is mainly the case with old leaky drains, whilst modern plastic drains are seldom effected.

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•  Can I prune back a neighbours branches / roots?

Generally common law provides a 'right' for a landowner to cut back trespassing branches or roots from a neighbour's tree. The individual scenario must be reviewed to ensure that this view of Common Law applies and it should be noted that action under this law brings with it conditions that must be adhered to. One regular problem is that the extent and positioning of pruning allowed under this 'right', frequently does not compare with modern tree pruning recommendations and if taken to the letter of the law, may result in a disfigured and possibly a dangerous tree. Acting in this way may not protect you should damage or loss occur.

If your trees are protected (See: Are my trees protected), then the Consent of the Planning Authority (but not the tree owner) will be required. As you can see, this can be a complicated matter and it is important you receive professional advice relevant to your situation, better still, work hard to maintain good relations with you neighbours!

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