Trees in a Conservation Area
How we provide this service
The responsibility for the efficient management of trees in Authority ownership within urban and rural environments
is supported by Planning and Development, Planning.
The law protects certain individual and groups of trees. Those trees that have Tree Preservations Orders or are within Conservation Areas are protected under a range of legislation that makes it an offence to carry out any work on those trees without permission from the Local Authority.
Trees that grow in Council owned property or on public open spaces are also protected as they are deemed as Council Property. Anyone willfully damaging these can be prosecuted.
The Authority has its own professional tree maintenance team who carries out all appropriate tree care and maintenance to trees owned by the council.
If you have any queries or would like advice about tree care and maintenance, please use the contact details above.
Some advice for private tree owners:
- Always contact the Local Authority to ensure that the trees are not protected by a Tree Protection Order, planning constraints or that the tree is within a Conservation area.
- Always employ a suitably trained professional Tree Surgeon, who is covered by Public Liability Insurance. (Always ask for proof).
- Never employ house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons.
- Reputable Tree Surgeons will always have some form of professional identification and qualification proof. Always ask to see it.
- Reputable Tree Surgeons can be found in the Yellow Pages, or contact us for further advice.
Common Questions
Q. I am concerned that a tree adjoining my property is dangerous?
A. If the tree is privately owned then it is the responsibility of the owner, if it is a roadside tree then it is possibly the responsibility of Lincolnshire County Council. If the tree is on a village playground then responsibility probably lies with the Parish Council. If it is on a District Council playground, community land maintained by the District Council or in a garden of a Council House, then the District Council will most likely be responsible. Report the dangerous tree to the reception of the Environmental Health Department who will arrange for it to be inspected.
Q. Is the Council's consent required for work to trees?
A. Generally, yes if they are covered by a Tree Preservation Order or are in a Conservation Area. Some trees are also covered by Planning Conditions which means that you must ask the District Council for their approval before you can do any work to them. There are some exemptions from these requirements, and further information is found in an advice leaflet, available in the Planning Reception.
Q. How do I find out whether a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order or is in a Conservation Area.
A. Contact Planning Reception, and be ready to provide the address or other description of the location of the tree.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
Dangerous Trees
