It is best to work on trees after they have fallen and before they burst. However, this is not the case for all species. We can provide a written report and recommendations for specific trees and hedges.
The complete answer is…
It is best to work on trees after they have fallen and before they burst. However, this is not the case for all species. We would rather look at each tree individually to give you a written report as well as a recommendation on when and how to do the work. Cherry, Plum, and related trees (Prunus species) are some examples of trees that may need work. To reduce the chance of bacterial infections, these trees should be cut soon after they have flowered. To avoid maple and birch ‘bleeding’ (exuding syrup), which is not considered to be harmful, and Magnolia and Walnut should be pruned only in high season. The majority of common hedge species can be pruned at any time throughout the year, but we recommend that you inspect the property and consider the impact on nesting birds before beginning.
A tree’s root system is as deep underground as its canopy. This rule of thumb applies to all trees. Although this can be affected by severe or regular pruning, it is possible to maintain a tree’s root systems underground by regularly pruning or reducing its canopy. This is because the tree doesn’t need to spend energy growing its root system if it doesn’t have to support a large canopy.
No matter what time of the year it may be, our tree surgeons can help you!
Are my trees allowed to be worked on without my permission?
Tree Preservation Orders are an important consideration when planning tree work, especially in South-West London. There are many conservation areas, and you could be subject to a heavy fine if you don’t get permission. It’s easy to find out if your property is located in a conservation area and if Tree Preservation Orders may be applicable. These can often be checked online with the appropriate local authority. If you prefer, we are happy to conduct these searches for you.
A special provision is made in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for trees within conservation areas that are not subject to a TPO. All trees within a conservation area are subject to a blanket order that covers them with 7.5cm central stem diameter at 1.5 meters above ground. This is not usually applicable to shrubs or hedges.
Permission to remove a tree
Anybody proposing to remove or perform work on trees in conservation areas must give six weeks notice to the Local Planning Authority (a section 211 notice). This requirement gives the LPA the opportunity to decide whether a TPO should apply to the tree. Conservation areas are areas that have special architectural or historic interest and are desirable to preserve or enhance their character or appearance. LPAs designate them and they are often located around listed buildings. The special character of a conservation zone may also be enhanced by other buildings or landscape features, such as trees. Exempted from TPOs are trees that are dangerous, dead, dying, or diseased, and those grown for commercial fruit production. TPOs may still be applicable after a 5-day notice is given. It is important to check with planning. TPOs prohibit the uprooting, cutting down, pruning, crown lifting and reduction of trees without their consent.
This legislation will not be ignored by a professional tree surgeon. Conservation area applications are not an application for permission but a notification of works. Congested areas can result in trees that have high amenity values for everyone who can see them or could be negatively affected by their removal/pruning/reduction. The councils consider it appropriate that all citizens have an opportunity to see the effects on them. The consultation process generally takes six weeks from the time the application is received.
These applications are completely free and most professional tree surgeons would not charge a customer to complete and manage an application.
Why is it important to hire a tree surgeon
Tree surgery requires specialized training and expensive equipment. It is highly skilled and dangerous work. Trees that are badly cut can lead to major problems in the future. This could also cause additional cost. It is easy to inflict serious injury and damage without proper training.