Have you been wondering, ‘why is my tree protected?’ or why some trees have Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) applied to them, and others have not? Is there a tree on your property which has a TPO and you are not sure why it is protected?
A tree preservation order is made by your local planning authority. Which makes it an offence to lop, uproot, cut down or willfully damage or destroy a tree without the permission of the local authority. Intending to protect trees that have a high amenity value to the surrounding area.
Reason for a TPO can include:
Trees that have historical importance,
Trees that are particularly rare,
Trees that are highly visible to the public,
Trees that are of a certain size, form and health combined with how it fits with the surrounding area,
Trees that will have a detrimental impact on the surroundings in the event of their removal or death.
Conservation Areas
There is a slightly different approach taken to trees that are within a conservation area. Trees that have a TPO applied to them within a conservation area should be dealt with in accordance with normal Tree Preservation Order stipulations. However, in the case of trees that are based within a conservation area but do not have a TPO applied to them, a minimum of 6 weeks’ notice must be given to the local authority before any work is due to start. The local authority may then consider applying a TPO to that tree.
What Work Can Be Done?
There are certain works that can be carried out on trees that have a TPO applied to them, including:
The removal of dead branches from a living tree,
The removal of a dead tree,
The removal of a tree that is in the way of a development project, which has received planning permission,
The cutting or pruning of a tree that presents an urgent safety risk,
The cutting or pruning of trees in line with the Forestry Commission’s grant scheme or under obligation under an Act of Parliament.
Any other works would require an application to be submitted to the local authority. This application should be submitted prior to work taking place, and permission must be received before any work commences.
How Can We Help?
ProHort provide a range of Tree Preservation Order related services.
Including application and appeal submissions and TPO searches to help you to identify if one of your trees has a TPO applied to it.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can help you?
Designing Your Garden Around Your Lifestyle
Every one of us is different in some way, and that includes the way that we use our garden. When you are considering making big changes to your garden, you will want that new garden design to compliment your lifestyle. So, how do you go about doing that? Here are some tips for designing your garden depending on your lifestyle and needs.
Low Maintenance Garden Design
If you want a lovely garden but do not want to spend a lot of time on its upkeep, then your garden design should be low maintenance. You can achieve this by:
Choosing hardy evergreens, shrubs, ferns, and grasses which will require very little maintenance once established and give shape to your borders.
Increasing the amount of hard landscaping in your garden, reducing the size of your borders and lawn or perhaps even getting rid of them altogether.
Considering hardwood fencing or furniture instead of softwood. Softwood will require more maintenance than hardwood.
Family Friendly Garden Design
If you are looking for a garden that is suitable for your family to spend time in, you can achieve this through:
Allocating a separate play zone that is filled with child friendly plants and is protected by fencing. This will allow children to run wild without having to worry about their safety.
Considering a built-in trampoline, which is constructed to be level with the ground to eliminate the risk of falling.
Reducing the amount of water in the garden, removing ponds or water features.
Sensory Gardens
Designed to stimulate the senses, including vision, sound, touch and smell, a sensory garden is ideal for children and individuals with sensory processing disorders. To incorporate a sensory element into your garden design, consider:
Incorporating hard landscaping to allow easy access to all areas of the garden. Consider making any footpaths wider with sweeping curves if they are to be used by a wheelchair user.
Choosing plants that stimulate the different senses, such as plants that are highly aromatic, have interesting textures or make a noise as the wind passes through them.
Install features of interest, such as wind chimes or sculptures, or perhaps pebbles that change colour as they get wet.
There are many different options for making your garden fit you and your lifestyle.
ProHort Ltd provide a bespoke landscape design service which will allow you to see your dream garden before the work has even started. Find out more here.
Can Tree Roots Affect Development?
In short – yes, tree roots can affect development.
How do tree roots affect development?
Tree roots affect development by causing disturbance in the soil, which can cause the soil to become structurally unsound. Any building work or development which takes place within the influence of a tree’s roots can cause damage to the tree or can lead to the development being structurally unsound.
How can I check for tree roots prior to development?
The influence of the tree’s roots can be calculated as part of a tree survey. This is done by examining the height of the tree and the crown spread which can then be used to calculate a Root Protection Area. The examination will show where the roots are most prevalent, and most likely to cause damage to buildings.
Veteran or ancient trees may have a larger than expected Root Protection Area, given their increased age and the increased complexity of their root systems.
What’s a tree survey?
Tree Surveys are a specialised survey that assess the size, age, health and life expectancy of a tree that has a diameter of over 75mm. They then provide recommendations on the further treatment of the tree and whether it should be retained or removed from a site. As part of our tree surveys, ProHort will map the Root Protection Area of any tree, as well as providing a recommendation for protective fencing. Do you have ancient trees, on your property? We can also identify them in your survey report. If we are surveying a group of trees, we will show the root protection zone and fencing in the clearest possible way, to ensure that you have the best plans possible in order to go ahead.
When looking to proceed with any development work, it is crucial that you ensure no roots lie under the proposed site. The safety of the site, and safety of your team depend on it.
Do you require a tree survey showing the root protection area? Then contact us today on 01782 479 479 or email [email protected].
The Benefits of Trees
Most people are aware that trees benefit their surrounding landscape, but do you know just how positive and extensive their contribution is? Not only do trees bring a host of environmental benefits, they also enhance the local economy and can improve public health. Find out more about the benefits of trees below.
The Environmental Benefits of Trees.
Through the taking in of carbon and subsequent release of oxygen, trees reduce the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere and can benefit climate change. Trees also contribute towards the reduction of pollution, trapping up to 1.5 kilos of dust and pollutants per year in the canopy. The shade that the canopy provides, and the evaporative cooling from a tree, can then reduce the overall temperature of the area below.
It doesn’t stop there! Did you know that trees can also improve water quality, acting as a filter for rainwater by slowing it down and allowing sediment to settle before it falls to the ground? The tree roots help to prevent soil erosion and can reduce the risk of flooding by up to 20% by slowing down the flow of rainwater into existing water bodies.
The Economic and Health Benefits of Trees
Surprisingly, there are many ways in which trees can contribute to the economy and to public health. It is reported that houses that have trees nearby will sell at a faster rate and be worth up to 15% more than those without. This can increase up to 25% more when the whole street is lined with trees. Similarly, if there are trees near your business, it has been found that people will shop for longer and spend more time browsing.
Socially, trees can have a calming effect on people and staff members of businesses. With trees on the premises report a higher level of productivity and lower absenteeism. The inclusion of trees in the landscape can encourage healthy lifestyles. Tempting the public to spend more time outside as well as having some medicinal properties – such as Birch bark which has antiseptic properties. Finally, there has also been evidence linking the presence of trees to the reduction of asthma rates in young children.
Trees are a precious commodity, providing a range of different benefits to society and the environment, that we should not take for granted. ProHort can provide several tree related services, including Tree Surveys and Arboricultural Impact Assessments, which are perfect for keeping your trees safe if you are looking to develop. Why not check out more information?
or destroy a tree without the permission of the local authority. Intending to protect trees that have a high amenity value to the surrounding area.
