FAQs
Do I have any responsibilities over the trees in my garden?
You are the owner of any tree growing within the boundary of your property and as such you have a responsibility to ensure that it is maintained in a safe state. Under Common Law Duty it must not cause damage or injury to others.
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
A TPO is made under Section 160 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. This means it is forbidden to cut down, top, lop, uproot, willfully damage, or willfully destruct a tree or a group of trees or woodland without the consent of the Local Planning Authority.
What is a Conservation Area?
An area designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings And Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as being of special architectural or historic interest, the character and interest of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance. Strategies are applied for the purpose of attaining a viable plant or animal population.
My neighbour's tree overhangs my property. What are my rights?
The law states that you are entitled to cut back branches from overhanging trees to the boundary line only without trespassing. Discussion of the problem with the owner may be more beneficial to the tree as often a crown lift or reduction is more appropriate than just cutting back the offending branches.
I'm having problems with leaves falling from a neighbour's trees.
Leaf fall is a natural occurrence and no responsibility can be attributed to the owner of the tree.
What are the benefits of having trees in my garden?
As well as providing shade, screening and security, they assist in reducing noise pollution and air pollution. Trees are also homes to all manner of birds, insects and wildlife.
My neighbour's trees cast large amounts of shade over my garden. Do I have a 'right to light'?
In English Law, there is no effective right to light. The Prescriptions Act does afford a right to light, however, it is severely limited and using it in relation to trees is problematic and generally unsuccessful.
Can I get a quotation from you over the phone?
Although possible, it is not advisable as our pricing policy is based on a number of factors all of which only become evident when actually viewing the property or viewing photographs submitted via the online quote facility.
I'm thinking of having some work done on my trees, but I am concerned about health and safety?
Penn Tree Services Ltd has health and safety policies in place and these are strictly adhered to. All our operational staff are fully trained and a full site assessment is carried out before any work can begin.
I appreciate that accidents can happen. What if my property gets damaged as a result of the tree work you are undertaking?
In the unlikely event of damage occurring to any of your property, rest assured that we are fully insured for public and personal liability to the value of £5 million respectively.
I have received an estimate but do not understand the terminology.
Our policy is to have a consultation with you on site and advise you on any tree work that is recommended. The quotation that we then provide you with will be based purely on our discussions during this visit. Our section on “Services” will assist you in understanding some of the more general terms that you may come across.
When is the best time to prune fruit trees?
The best time to prune fruit trees is during their dormant season. The ideal time is between October and late February, as this will give enough time for recovery from the pruning before buds begin to swell in early spring.
I have evergreen trees in my garden. They all seem to have brown leaves within the crown, are they diseased or dying?
As most coniferous trees are very dense, it is quite normal for internal branches and leaves to die back. This is due to the lack of light penetrating through the dense crown of the tree. However, if brown leaves begin to appear on the outside or on the tips of the branches, there may be a problem. If this is the case we will be able to inspect the tree and advise you on the best course of action.
I am concerned about the environment and want to know more about what happens to my tree waste.
We are highly committed to the environment, and we recycle the green waste that we produce. It is either passed through our wood chipper or cut into logs for firewood.