Many homeowners in Maidstone aren’t sure whether they need permission to cut down or prune a tree on their property. While you generally have the right to manage your own garden, there are important rules that may apply if the tree is protected by law.
At Maidstone Tree Surgeons Ltd, we’re often asked about Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), conservation areas, and when permission is required. This article explains the rules, so you can avoid fines and make the right decision for your property.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Maidstone
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection placed on specific trees or groups of trees by the local authority.
- You must not cut down, uproot, prune, lop, or wilfully damage a protected tree without written consent from Maidstone Borough Council.
- TPOs can apply to any species of tree, not just rare or unusual ones.
- Breaking a TPO can result in significant fines.
If you’re unsure whether your tree has a TPO, you can check with Maidstone Borough Council or ask a professional tree surgeon to investigate on your behalf.
Trees in Conservation Areas
If your property is within a conservation area, you must give the council six weeks’ written notice before carrying out work on most trees.
The rule applies to trees with a stem diameter of more than 75mm (about the width of a coffee mug) when measured 1.5m from the ground.
During this notice period, the council will decide whether the tree should be given a TPO.
Exceptions: When Permission Is Not Needed
There are some circumstances where you can cut down or prune a tree without council consent, even if it is protected:
- If the tree is dead or poses an immediate danger.
- If the work is required by a statutory authority (for example, removing a tree interfering with power lines).
- If you are carrying out work on a fruit tree in a garden or orchard, provided it is for regular pruning or to improve fruit production.
Even in these cases, it’s recommended to keep photographic evidence and professional reports to prove the necessity of the work.
Why Use a Professional Tree Surgeon?
Understanding local regulations can be complicated, and carrying out unauthorised work on a protected tree can result in heavy penalties. Hiring a qualified, insured tree surgeon ensures:
- The correct checks are made for TPOs and conservation area rules.
- All work is carried out safely and to British Standards.
- The risk of fines or enforcement action is avoided.
Tree Work Advice in Maidstone
If you’re unsure whether you need permission to cut down a tree in Maidstone, the safest step is to speak with a professional. At Maidstone Tree Surgeons Ltd, we have extensive experience working with TPOs, conservation areas, and local council regulations.
We can handle everything from initial checks to safe removal or pruning, giving you complete peace of mind.
Contact Us Today
📧 Email: office@maidstonetreesurgeons.co.uk
☎ Office: 01622 925926
📱 Mobile: 07375 455138
Maidstone Tree Surgeons Ltd – expert advice and professional tree care across Maidstone and the surrounding areas.
