Tree removal and dismantling.

Before a tree comes down

A tree with a Tree Preservation Order needs the council's written consent before it is cut down, topped, lopped or uprooted. A tree in a conservation area without an order needs six weeks' written notice to the council (a section 211 notice), unless the council agrees sooner. Dead and dangerous trees have their own rules. Your council's planning team can tell you whether a tree is protected before any work starts.

Trees in private gardens don't need a Forestry Commission felling licence. On other land you can fell up to 5 cubic metres of growing trees in a calendar quarter without one, as long as no more than 2 cubic metres of that is sold. A tree under a Tree Preservation Order, or in a conservation area, still needs the council's approval first.

Wild birds' nests are protected while they are being built or used, and damaging one on purpose is an offence. Most birds breed between March and August, so anyone cutting a hedge or tree then has to check for active nests first, and stop where one is found.