Tree Preservation Orders

[LexMitior]

I have discovered that a very large sycamore in my garden has a TPO: I love the tree so wasn't going to try and remove it but it does overhang the road and I want to make sure it is safe, no dead branches crashing into cars etc.

I assume making this safe and checking the health of the trees is my responsibility- but short of not cutting it down, does anyone know what responsibilities there are? Do I need to tell my insurer, for example?

Any help greatly appreciated - the tree is beautiful but just want to know how to handle it for the future.

You will need to apply to the council for permission to do anything to the tree (removing branches, trimming it back etc).

I would speak to a local tree surgeon. They'll be able to safely cut it back for you and chip the branches, they'll also know how to handle the TPO thing. I'm sure they would be able to tell you about the health of it. We had two trees cut down and the tree surgeon dealt with the council for us as we're in a an area of outstanding natural beauty. Mind you if you do want a large tree taken down and disposed of it's not cheap!

Oh and you can trim the tree as long as it improves/doesn't affect the health of it or for safety.

The tree, however, can be trimmed, if it is for the purpose of keeping the tree healthy or the trimming will have no impact on growth. For example, if a small branch was obscuring a window, you would be able to trim this back. Likewise, if a branch of the tree became diseased, you would be able to remove this branch. This is because doing so will ensure the tree’s health and public safety.

Thank you, very helpful.

When @Choconut says “you” she means a qualified arboriculturalist employed by you. If the tree is in a Conservation area but without a TPO you can do the work yourself, once it’s got a TPO you need someone qualified to work on it.

with insurers, it’s usually best to tell them. You can do it be phone, keep a record of date and time.