A to Z Index:

Trees

Protected Trees

There are a number of ways in which a tree may be protected:

  • if it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order
  • if it is located within a Conservation Area
  • if it is protected by a condition of a planning consent

Read the leaflet giving further guidance about Protected Trees:

Do I need permission before I cut down or prune trees?

If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or a condition of a planning consent a formal application to Aberdeenshire Council will be required. Similarly, if the tree is within a Conservation Area, then you must give the Council six weeks written notice of your intention to carry out tree works. Large scale operations (in excess of 5 cubic metres of timber) will require a Felling Licence which is issued by the Forestry Commission. They can be contacted on 01466 794 542 at the Conservancy Office in Huntly.

Applying for Permission

Responsibility for the management of trees, including protected trees, rests with the owner of the land upon which they stand. The relevant Council Office will be able to advise you as to whether any restrictions apply to any tree work you are considering. An application form for applying for consent to carry out work to protected trees is required:

It is advisable to employ the services of a suitably qualified person to both assess and undertake necessary work.

It is an offence to fell or to carry out any work on protected trees without permission. The offence normally carries a fine of up to £20,000

Trees and Development

Read the leaflet giving further advice about trees and development

 

Damage to, or loss of, trees during development is often caused accidentally by failing to appreciate how vulnerable trees are. Irreparable damage can be caused to the tree’s trunk, branches and roots by site clearance, earth moving, excavation, compaction and storage of materials.

Trees and Planning

 

The presence of trees on a site is a material planning consideration when planning applications are being assessed. To enable an accurate assessment of the possible effects of development on trees, planning applications must include a sufficient level of information.

Where a tree survey is submitted with a planning application it should include:

  • the location and size of the trees (both on, and immediately adjacent to the site)
  • the height, crown or canopy spread
  • species
  • health
  • age (i.e. young/mature/over mature)
  • and any structural defects

In addition it is necessary to note the ground levels and any watercourses or services that may affect the tree roots. It should also identify which trees will be removed and those to be retained together with measures for their protection during development.

Protecting Trees During Development

Before any development starts, the trees to be retained should be securely fenced off, to a specification agreed by the Council. The fence should remain intact until the development is fully completed. No building materials, site huts or rubble etc should be stored or dumped, and no fires lit within this area.

It is always important to have your site surveyed by an expert in arboriculture. They will be able to advise on which trees should be retained and which will require any surgery. Survey and tree protection measures should meet the requirement of British Standard 5837