TPO'ed Oak Tree

[coolpatterngirl]

Morning all,

I've contacted our council about this but am waiting for a reply so hoped you could advise what the norm would be.

Our house has a massive oak tree with a TPO on it. However, mid height are two huge branches which have split from the trunk and are dangling precariously.

I understand we could undertake emergency remedial works but I'd really like the whole tree to be trimmed/pruned back (and shortened if possible) as it looks unbalanced.

Do the council officers pop around to inspect the trees often? Do you think we'd be able to successfully apply for this before undertaking remedial works?

And just while I'm here 😁 We have a chestnut tree which has grown into the power cables (and also conceals the pole the cables are attached to). Would we need a tree surgeon to trim it or would the power company assist? If assume there's a need for specialist equipment working so close to electricity cables.

We also had a TP on an Oak tree, fortunately in good condition. As far as I understand the Council will inspect and grant permission to prune. A tree surgeon will not touch it without the required permission, otherwise there are severe fines.
I think the Chestnut tree will be your sole responsibility and you may have a duty to keep it in good condition. Again, a tree surgeon will advise you.
We've now moved to a small tree only garden!

You will definitely get permission to have branches like that pruned. You could consider lifting the canopy, which may help balance it and bring in more light.

Thanks both. I'm still awaiting a reply for the council so you've given me hope something can be done. My husband wants to top the oak as its really tall, twice the height of our house. If it were to fall it would take out the house.

Check your house insurance for cover, ours was ok with covering the tree falling, at no extra cost.

I meant to say :- of course that does not compensate for the loss of your house! It sounds very old so I suspect it will be ok for a few hundred years!

The electricity board generally won't do anything until there's a problem like the wires short or the tree brings them down.