Brits with a large tree in their garden could face a hefty fine of up to £20,000 (Image: Getty)
who have a large tree in their garden are being warned about a £20k if they don’t follow strict rules about removal.
Brits may unknowingly be putting themselves at risk of being slapped with substantial fines if they remove trees under protections.
One of the biggest risks lies in trees protected under (TPOs).
These orders apply to trees deemed valuable for their environmental, aesthetic, or historical significance and exist to ensure the preservation of Britain’s natural landscape. TPOs also protect trees from deliberate damage or removal.
Deliberately damaging or removing a tree under a TPO can result in a hefty fine of up to £20,000.
Brits may unknowingly be putting themselves at risk of substantial fines (Image: Getty)
This comes after former Take That singer Robbie Williams was recently granted permission to cut down a protected Norway Maple tree in his £17 million London mansion despite objections from his neighbours.
The singer applied for permission from Kensington and Chelsea Council to remove the tree due to it being attacked by honey fungus.
However, this annoyed several of his neighbours who wrote their own letters to the council opposing the plans.
Officials ultimately have decided that the tree can be removed due to its poor health.
And now gardening expert Chris Bonnett from is urging owners to check whether trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Order before cutting them down.
Homeowners are being urged to check whether their trees are covered by a Tree Preservation Order (Image: Getty)
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Experts advise that anyone looking to alter a tree on their property should check with their local council or consult a licensed arborist to confirm whether a TPO applies. Ignoring this step could transform a routine garden project into an expensive legal battle.
Nick Wood, gardening expert at , said: “Trees are usually placed under TPO’s because they’re considered important to the local area, they may add beauty or be good for the environment.
“If you’re thinking of doing any work to your home or garden that involves heavily pruning or removing a tree it’s really important you check if it’s under a TPO or not. Cutting down a tree that is under this order can result in a huge fine of up to £20,000.
“If your tree is under a TPO you’ll have to make a ‘work to tree’ application through the government where you’ll have to map out exactly what you want to do.”