Understanding Tree Protection Orders: Southampton Tree Surgeon’s Advice and Guidance
What is a tree preservation order? Why do you need one?
Trees are part of our ecosystem. They have been here before man’s time. Since trees serve in many ways, including protecting the environment and humans, producing food, and being a source of many products, they also need protection. But beyond these facts lies our questions about TPOs or tree preservation orders.
Read on to understand further the legalities involved in TPOs.
What are Tree Preservation Orders?
Imagine tree preservation orders (TPOs) as legal shields protecting specific trees or groups of trees deemed essential for Southampton’s beauty and environmental well-being. Southampton City Council’s orders restrict any work on the protected trees, including lopping, topping, felling, or causing wilful damage. It’s important to remember that violating a TPO can result in substantial fines.
Do you require a TPO?
Understanding or being mindful of the stipulations of a TPO is crucial for your property and its environs, particularly concerning trees that are either safeguarded by a TPO or not. Why is this important? Because in various circumstances, it is necessary to seek approval from the local authority before taking any actions that could contravene the regulations, even if the tree in question does not belong to you or is not situated on your property.
As a member of the community, you have a civic responsibility to contribute to the preservation of trees and prevent their illegal removal by any party.
Citizens may have different concerns and inquiries regarding tree removal. For instance, one might question their entitlement to work on a tree within the proposed development or infrastructure scope. The TPO permits take effect on protected trees only if specific conditions are met and permission is granted.
For instance, if you intend to construct a house extension that would impact a tree protected by a TPO, you must apply for permission from the local authority through the standard procedure. Similarly, if you suspect a tree is diseased or deceased but falls under TPO, you need to consult local authorities whether or not that tree should be removed.
Tree preservation procedures comprise a comprehensive set of guidelines on protected trees issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government. Through this, you can access valuable insights and essential information covering tree cutting and preservation issues.
Tree Preservation Orders: Protecting Southampton’s Urban Forest
Imagine Southampton’s vibrant streets and bustling communities, where trees offer a welcome respite with their cool shade, fresh air, and connection to nature. The local authority implements TPOs to safeguard these valuable assets. These regulations act as a protective shield for specific trees or groups of trees deemed crucial for the city’s environmental well-being and aesthetic beauty.
Understanding TPOs
Think of TPOs as legal guardians for these designated trees. Issued by Southampton City Council, they restrict any work on the protected trees, including activities like lopping, topping, felling, or causing deliberate damage. It’s crucial to remember that disregarding a TPO can result in significant fines.
Identifying Protected Trees
Would a particular tree in your neighbourhood enjoy the protection of a TPO? Here are some helpful resources to assist you:
- Southampton City Council TPO map: This interactive map allows you to search for TPOs by entering an address or browsing by location.
- Contacting the trees team: The council’s dedicated tree team is readily available to answer your questions and provide specific information about trees and TPOs in your area.
Working with TPOs
While you may own a tree on your property, you cannot simply cut it down on your own accord if it falls under a TPO. The TPO protection is in place because the tree holds significant value for the public, perhaps due to its age, environmental contribution, or location within a designated conservation area.
Seeking Permission and Addressing Concerns
If a TPO-protected tree poses a potential threat to life or property, you can consult the council’s tree team for guidance and explore appropriate solutions. This might involve seeking permission for specific work like pruning or controlled removal under their supervision.
Outside TPO Zones
Residing in an area outside the TPO boundaries offers greater flexibility. If you have a tree on your property that a TPO doesn’t protect, you may not require permission to have it felled by qualified tree surgeons. However, consulting with professionals like First Arb Tree Surgeons is always advisable for expert advice and safe execution of any tree removal or maintenance work.
Responsible tree care starts with awareness and respect for these vital components of our urban environment.
Your Responsibilities
As a property owner, it falls upon you to maintain the condition of your surroundings and ensure the proper care of trees within your premises. This is essential for promoting safety and health and safeguarding those who might be impacted by potential risks associated with the trees.
Identifying a tree protected by a TPO that requires removal due to health issues, which could potentially spread to other healthy trees, is a prudent action that contributes to the community’s welfare.
If you are still determining whether certain concerns are covered by TPO guidelines, seeking an evaluation from a certified tree surgeon is crucial for making an informed decision regarding the tree.
At First Arb Tree Surgeons, we excel in providing this service. For further information and assistance regarding TPO and the associated regulations, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Our staff will be more than happy to assist you. Give us a call for more details.
