Cutting down Trees without Permission

Trees play an essential role in the environment, and most jurisdictions do not take cutting down trees lightly. By reading this article, you will get more information about what happens when gardeners cut down trees without permission, whether the law allows you to cut down trees, fines associated with cutting down trees, whether you have a right to cut a neighbour’s trees, and whether you can file a lawsuit against your neighbour if they cut down your trees.

You should seek council permission before cutting down trees in your yard. Depending on where you live there are various laws that outline how trees should be preserved and protected.

Depending on those laws you may first need to see a permit from your city before proceeding.

Such exemptions are outlined in the Forestry Commission’s website. Some of the conditions that gardeners must meet before getting the license includes restocking the area where trees are to be cut and maintaining it for a specified period. The commission holds a discussion with an applicant before the issuance of the license.

Consequences of cutting down Trees without Permission

Different countries from various parts of the globe have tree protection orders. It is an offence for gardeners to cut down, uproot, or destroy a tree intentionally without permission the relevant authorities if the trees are located in a conservation area or the volume of the area occupied by the trees that are to be cut exceeds 5 cubic meters.

The tree protection orders aim to protect trees or woodlands from deliberate damage and destruction by gardeners. The orders can be placed on any tree, including hedgerow. In some cases, the orders can be applied on woodlands. Usually, tree protection orders are applied in urban and semi-urban areas or trees that are considered to have nature conservation value.

Gardeners and homeowners are required to have a license for cutting down trees from local authorities even if they intend to carry out maintenance work. In addition, topping, lopping, or damaging trees intentionally in a way that can result in permanent damage is also an offence. Failure to seek permission can lead to prosecution in a court of law and fines.

You can get permission by contacting local council representatives in your area. Tree officers will ask why you think the tree needs to be cut. Once a tree protection order has been placed, it can be terminated within six months. The relevant authorities can also make modifications to the order. However, the number of trees cannot be added. The order becomes permanent if there are no objections during the period.

Is it against the Law to Cut a Tree down?

It is against the law for any gardener or homeowner to cut down any trees that are located in a conservation area. Conservation areas are defined as areas that have some historic or architectural interest. Also, you will have broken the law if you decide to carry out any management work on your trees without permission from the relevant authorities.

What is the Fine for cutting down Trees?

If you cut down, uproot, or damage trees located in a conservation area or ones that cover 5 cubic meters without a license from relevant authorities, you can be subjected to fines of up to £ 20,000. If a gardener commits serious offences, they can face trial in a court of law where they can be required to pay an unlimited fine if found guilty.

Can I Cut my Neighbors Trees

If the branches of a neighbour’s tree are hanging over your yard, the law allows you to cut such branches. However, you should only remove the branches that have extended beyond your property line. Caution should be taken when cutting the branches as destroying the neighbour’s trees can lead to liabilities of up to three times the value of the trees.

Can I Sue My Neighbor for cutting down my Trees?

If your neighbour cuts down your trees without permission, you are entitled to compensation for the loss. You are allowed to sue them to receive your compensation. If the neighbour damages your trees while trimming them, you can also sue them.