Tree preservation order

Discussion in 'Trees' started by Ariadae, Apr 10, 2017.

  1. Ariadae

    Ariadae Super Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2008
    Messages:
    460
    Location:
    Shropshire
    Ratings:
    +679
    IMG_1099.JPG My son moved into his new house yesterday. Built in the 1990's, it's got a nice back garden with a very high laurel hedge or high wall all round, so very private, and a huge tree in the middle of the lawn. This has a tree preservation order on it, but we don't know why-it's not very visible from anywhere but their own back garden, and casts so much shade that we're finding it hard to find a spot for a little blowaway for a few tomato plants. There are many other trees around in the borders and he would very much like to remove this one(which would be a shame obviously) but we don't know whether it's ever going to be possible. Does anyone have any experience with tpo's? Or know why this particular conifer might have one? Is it a rare type of tree?
     
  2. Clare G

    Clare G Super Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2017
    Messages:
    626
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    London UK
    Ratings:
    +1,707
    The tree must predate the house, if that was built in the 1990s - perhaps it was growing in an earlier, larger garden? It looks a handsome specimen and most likely the TPO was created to protect it from the 1990s development, or even before that. Did this not come up as part of the property search when he was buying the house? Anyway, what he needs to do now is contact his local council's Tree Officer. They will talk through the possibilities, even if the tree has to stay they may be prepared to let it be pruned to let in more light, but this will need to be done in consultation with them and by a proper tree surgeon.
     
    • Agree Agree x 4
    • Like Like x 1
    • Silver surfer

      Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

      Joined:
      Jul 25, 2010
      Messages:
      2,579
      Occupation:
      Semi retired amateur plantaholic gardener
      Location:
      PERTHSHIRE. SCOTLAND. UK
      Ratings:
      +3,228
      Be very very careful.
      Do not touch it until you have got the necessary written permission.
      The fine could be huge if you do anything to it ...knowing it has a legal tree preservation order on it you cannot even plead ignorance.
      It looks to be a fine old specimen...possibly planted donkeys years ago.
      The council will be able to tell you exactly what conifer it is.

      It is possible to have tree preservation orders removed...but it will not be easy....will be lengthy.... and usually is only granted if the tree is unstable, rotten or unsafe.

      Seems such a pity to buy a home with a specimen tree and not be happy with that tree from day one.
       
      • Agree Agree x 2
      • Ariadae

        Ariadae Super Gardener

        Joined:
        Aug 18, 2008
        Messages:
        460
        Location:
        Shropshire
        Ratings:
        +679
        Thanks both, he did know about the tpo before he bought it, and it is a lovely specimen. The garden next door has 4 of them so I expect you are right @Clare G. He loves the garden as it is anyway, and I'll let him know that maybe a bit more pruning with the permission of the council might be best. To me, there is a branch just perfect for a swing for his 3 yr old :)
         
      • Scrungee

        Scrungee Well known for it

        Joined:
        Dec 5, 2010
        Messages:
        16,524
        Location:
        Central England on heavy clay soil
        Ratings:
        +28,996
        It's not just a fine, you can also be jailed for unauthorised works to protected trees (or was the case when I studied planning).

        I think you might need to wait for the tree to reach the end of its natural life before it can be removed, what species is it?

        I don't believe that can be included as a planning condition, only perhaps that the works need to be carried out in accordance with the appropriate standards, and I've previously confirmed this with my LPA.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Agree Agree x 1
        • Informative Informative x 1
          Last edited: Apr 10, 2017
        • Mowerman

          Mowerman Gardener

          Joined:
          Jul 26, 2015
          Messages:
          437
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +599
          It looks like a beauty of a Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris).

          There are all kinds of regulations regarding TPOs and only your local authority can answer what is applicable to the specific tree.... and prepare for a long wait for answers.
           
        • Silver surfer

          Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

          Joined:
          Jul 25, 2010
          Messages:
          2,579
          Occupation:
          Semi retired amateur plantaholic gardener
          Location:
          PERTHSHIRE. SCOTLAND. UK
          Ratings:
          +3,228
          I doubt very much that would be allowed.
          Conifers are different from other trees. If a branch is cut off it will not re grow.
          This stately tree already has a long bare trunk.
          To take any more branches off will leave it looking mis shapen and top heavy.
          You are fortunate the canopy is already really high from the ground.

          Stick to putting a wonderful swing on it for your grandchild.
          Enjoy it.
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • Redwing

            Redwing Wild Gardener

            Joined:
            Mar 22, 2009
            Messages:
            1,589
            Gender:
            Female
            Location:
            Sussex
            Ratings:
            +2,830
            What a beautiful tree; just look at those markings on the trunk! I would love to have a tree like that nearby. It looks like a Scots Pine to me too. Mature native trees like this one are really valuable to nature and the local ecosystem.
             
            • Like Like x 1
            • pete

              pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

              Joined:
              Jan 9, 2005
              Messages:
              47,718
              Gender:
              Male
              Occupation:
              Retired
              Location:
              Mid Kent
              Ratings:
              +84,358
              I sympathise being that it is an evergreen, so even in winter you dont get respite from the shade, but that was pretty evident when he bought the house.
              It will also take lots of water out of the ground perhaps making the garden not a great growing space.

              They do it all the time around here, take over woodland for building houses, leave a few of the mature trees intact, (mainly to ease their conscience and not cause too much uproar), call the area something along the lines of "bluebell woods" or similar and then say they are "Considerate Contractors".:snork:
               
              • Like Like x 1
              • Agree Agree x 1
              • ARMANDII

                ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

                Joined:
                Jan 12, 2019
                Messages:
                48,096
                Gender:
                Male
                Ratings:
                +100,834
                I think the resident of the House would be

                [​IMG]

                before the tree expires:dunno::heehee:
                 
              • Ariadae

                Ariadae Super Gardener

                Joined:
                Aug 18, 2008
                Messages:
                460
                Location:
                Shropshire
                Ratings:
                +679
                Lol @ARMANDII! Apparently it's a red cedar, son looked it up. He's now becoming very fond of it!
                Having moved in a week ago with all sorts of ideas ( new carpets,new lighting, new curtains etc) he's realised all these things cost a LOT of money-who would have thought it! And is now thinking the carpets are fine, the curtains they can live with, and apart from a low hanging chandelier the lights are ok. The tree stays:hapfeet:
                 
                • Like Like x 4
                • Silver surfer

                  Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

                  Joined:
                  Jul 25, 2010
                  Messages:
                  2,579
                  Occupation:
                  Semi retired amateur plantaholic gardener
                  Location:
                  PERTHSHIRE. SCOTLAND. UK
                  Ratings:
                  +3,228
                  • Like Like x 1
                  • HarmonyArb

                    HarmonyArb I know sh!t about trees

                    Joined:
                    Apr 8, 2011
                    Messages:
                    275
                    Gender:
                    Male
                    Occupation:
                    Arborist
                    Location:
                    Cardiff
                    Ratings:
                    +247
                    Looks like a Western red Cedar to me, for sure. TPOs are usually placed on tree with historical, cultural, financial or amenity (inc. landcape / treescape) value. Contacting the tree officer would be your best bet for finding out why this tree has been chosen.
                     
                    • Like Like x 2
                    Loading...

                    Share This Page

                    1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                      By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                      Dismiss Notice