If you think a tree that you own is dangerous, you should first contact a specialist tree consultant or contractor.
In law, you or your agent do not need the permission of the Council to cut down a tree that is dead or to remove dead wood from a living tree.
If you are proposing to cut down a dead tree included in a Tree Preservation Order or in a Conservation Area, you must give us five days' written (or email) notice before carrying out the work, except in an absolute emergency.
If you own a dangerous tree that presents an immediate risk of serious harm, and work is urgently needed to remove that risk, you or your agent must give us written notice as soon as practicable after that work becomes necessary. Work should only be carried out to the extent that is necessary, to remove that immediate risk.
If work is carried out to a protected tree, you or your agent must be able to prove that the tree was dead or dangerous and, if it came to a prosecution case, to prove this in court.
This can be done using photographs, keeping sections of decayed wood, and any other relevant evidence.
You must also be mindful that bats are a protected species and often live in dead/hollow trees. There is more information in the Guidance on Bats leaflet:
- Guidance on Bats - Download
When a tree that is subject to a Tree Preservation Order, or in a Conservation Area is removed, uprooted, or destroyed because it is dead or dangerous, there is a duty on the landowner to replace that tree with a new tree of appropriate size and species at the same place as soon as can be reasonably expected.