New Grump of the Day

[paulc]

All this had/has me a trifle concerned that my hedge laying and other tree felling around this old place might be considered illegal by some over-zealous CO or 'tree chap'. Nojs advice is a littler encouraging but the council adopted a neighbouring 6 acres to our place and called it a Nature Reserve a while back so I'm going to have to check any implications arising from that I suppose. Ho hum - the joys of Period Properties.

As long as the "tree" is less than 75mm diameter 1.5m above the ground, you should be fine.

 

[Cubist]

As long as the "tree" is less than 75mm diameter 1.5m above the ground, you should be fine.

What's the source of that guidance Paul?

I ask as, if it were to be applicable here, more than 90% of the near 2000 trees on our land would be 'out of bounds' until they tore up their own roots and fell over. The authors must never have heard of the coppicing practices that kept the trees alive and thriving while keeping the home fires burning for over 500 years for many similar homes to this.

 

[Zebra]

I have read the same ruling on my council's website.....it may vary per council though?

 

[Cubist]

I have read the same ruling on my council's website.....it may vary per council though?

Thanks for the pointer Zebra but it does seem to her consistent across the country. However, it only relates to any proposed development requiring Planning Permission or similar approval. Phew!

 

[ThornhillMike]

Been following this with interest (and sympathy) as 'the Manor' is within a tree conservation zone so we have to expend a lot of 'entente cordial' with DEFA here on the Isle of Man to navigate management of the many trees on site. The rule quoted earlier is pretty standard for tree conservation (it's 80mm at 1.5m here). Anything 'thinner' than that can be removed without prejudice (which thankfully includes the many Manx Palm trees that seem to spring up everywhere). The invasive leylandii, and anything vaguely cypress. are all fair game and don't get DEFA excited (regardless of size), but make a move towards anything 'broad leaf' and they reach for their clipboard and card reader (maximum fine here for tree 'abuse' is £20,000!). Sadly @philpjuk100's sycamore would be treated the same here (we pull out every sycamore sapling we come across for that very reason). Where we did have some success was arguing that a major beech limb was threatening the orangery. They were happy that this limb could be removed entirely (and it was a big un). You may have more success seeking surgical downsizing of the sycamore by way of the limbs that pose the most serious threat, rather than letting them fret that you want the whole thing removed. What works very well here is to get pally with a tree surgeon who deals with the powers that be a lot. I have witnessed many intriguing (but ultimately successful) 'negotiations' between our tree man and the DEFA rep at the base of a tree..