Who owns which trees

[girl13]

We have lots of big trees in our garden which means we get no sun at all. The council says we are not allowed to cut them down. The people who live opposite from the back of our house also have lots of big trees which they are having cut down. how come they are allowed to cut their trees down and we are not?

[LoftyLottie]

Have your trees got a preservation order on them? You need to check this out. Even if they haven't got a preservation order some councils can say they must be kept because of their environmental value. However, if they are causing problems to your property, e.g. roots going under foundations or causing damp, then councils will usually consider granting approval for the trees removal.

Your neighbours might have not consulted with the council. However, most tree surgeons worth their salt will contact the council before they take down any trees in gardens to make sure it is OK to do so, otherwise they face really hefty fines.

[Robinia]

Yes, had I been able to post yesterday I'd have said the same as Loftylottie.

Even if your trees have a preservation order you may still be able to have them pruned to reduce & open them up but you'd need to check with the council again. .... If you do make sure it's done by a reputable tree surgeon - it doesn't come cheaply (best to get several estimates) but it does make a huge difference.

[alan30]

When you say the councils says you are not allowed to cut them down does that mean you made a formal application and they refused it?