Rotten dangerous tree - can I fell it?

[MrsCremuel]

A friend commented that she thought our tree was rotten so we got a tree surgeon to come and look at it and yup, he thinks it should come down before it falls down. He didn't mention nesting birds but have since learnt you are not supposed to do this at this time of year.

I'm now scared to be in the garden with the kids - can I fell this tree if there are no nesting birds and what about if there are?

It looks like there is an exception to the rule for dangerous trees. And it's not that felling can't happen at all, but that there's a requirement to ensure there isn't impact on nesting birds. So I guess you'd need to get someone to properly assess both the danger and the birds.

thtreeservices.co.uk/approach-tree-works-bird-nesting-season/

www.elementtreecare.co.uk/tree-surgeons-and-the-law.php

Roughly, the law says you mustn't "intentionally or recklessly" disturb a birds' nest - the "recklessly" means you have to check very carefully for nests before doing tree work, but if you have checked, and there are none, you're OK to fell.

The other thing to check is whether you're in a conservation area - if you are, you have to seek permission from the Council before doing any tree work.

Typically rotten or dangerous trees fall outside of exemptions. Our tree surgeon contacted the council himself, short form notifying them of dangerous tree and intention to fell.

Typically rotten or dangerous trees fall outside of exemptions. Our tree surgeon contacted the council himself, short form notifying them of dangerous tree and intention to fell.

Typically rotten or dangerous trees fall outside of exemptions They do, but if in a conservation area, you still have to advise the Council and preferably have photos or the tree surgeon's report to demonstrate that the tree really was dangerous and not just in the way of your new summerhouse.