Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
Trees are a defining feature of many British landscapes, bringing beauty, privacy, and ecological value to residential and commercial properties alike. However, there may come a time when a tree needs to be removed, whether due to disease, structural instability, encroachment on buildings, or landscape redesign. Before you take any action, it is essential to understand tree removal laws in England, safety considerations, and the role of a qualified tree surgeon.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know before removing a tree on your property.
One of the first things to check is whether the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). TPOs are put in place by local authorities to protect specific trees or woodlands that offer significant public amenity or ecological value.
If a tree is covered by a TPO, it is a criminal offence to cut down, uproot, or prune it without prior consent from your local council.
Penalties for breaching a TPO can be severe, including fines of up to £20,000 in Magistrates’ Court, and unlimited fines in Crown Court for more serious offences.
To determine whether a TPO exists, contact your local planning authority or check their online planning portal.
Need advice on TPO’s? We can help. Contact us today.
If your property lies within a designated conservation area, additional controls apply. Even if a tree isn’t subject to a TPO, you must notify the local authority at least six weeks before carrying out any work on trees with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm measured at 1.5 metres above ground level.
Failure to provide this notification can result in similar penalties to those associated with TPO breaches.
For larger-scale tree removal, particularly in rural or woodland areas, you may need a felling licence from the Forestry Commission. However, this generally applies to trees outside of gardens or domestic properties and is rarely necessary for private garden trees. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of this if you own or manage land with more extensive tree coverage. You can obtain a felling licence with our accredited courses, or, even better, hire a qualified Tree Surgeon company like Great Oaks.
Before taking action, it’s wise to consider the motivation behind removing the tree. It’s important to assess whether removal is the only or best option. In some cases, selective pruning, crown thinning, or disease treatment may offer a viable alternative.
Some of the most common reasons include:
Health and Safety Risks: Dead, diseased, or structurally unsound trees pose serious risks, especially during storms or high winds.
Damage to Property: Roots can interfere with foundations, drains, and pavements, while branches may damage roofs, windows, or power lines.
Overcrowding or Shading: Overgrown trees can block sunlight, affect garden usage, or inhibit the growth of other plants.
Landscape Design Changes: Renovations, extensions, or replanting schemes may necessitate the removal of certain trees.
Allergies or Pests: Certain species may produce allergens or attract pests, making outdoor spaces less enjoyable.
Even if you believe a tree needs to be removed, an expert’s opinion is invaluable. A qualified tree surgeon or arborist can:
Accurately diagnose disease or decay
Determine structural integrity
Assess proximity to utilities or structures
Recommend the safest and most efficient removal method
Assist with local authority applications and permissions
Attempting a DIY approach or hiring an unqualified contractor can lead to accidents, legal complications, and long-term damage to your property.
We’re more than just a contractor. We’re a fully accredited, experienced, and training-led team who work across Preston, Lancashire, and the wider North West.
✅ Constructionline Gold – audited for health & safety, environmental practice, and quality assurance
✅ Once For All (SSIP) – confirms full health & safety management
✅ ROSPA Member – strong safety culture on every job
✅ Training centre on site – all our staff are trained, certified, and often training others
We invest in the right equipment, the right people, and the right digital tools.
Tree removal costs can vary widely based on several factors. As a rough guide, smaller trees may cost a few hundred pounds to remove, whereas large or hazardous trees can exceed £1,500. It’s always best to obtain a clear, itemised quote from a qualified contractor before proceeding.
Once the tree has been removed, you will need to decide what to do with the stump and surrounding area.
Stump grinding uses machinery to reduce the stump to below ground level, preventing regrowth and allowing replanting or landscaping. We offer a professional stump removal service.
Stump removal involves digging out the entire root system. This is more labour-intensive but may be necessary for construction work or certain species prone to regrowth.
A reputable tree surgeon will manage the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of all green waste. This can include:
Chipping branches and small limbs
Removing logs and trunk sections
Recycling timber or composting organic waste
Trees are vital to our environment, they provide shade, absorb carbon dioxide, support wildlife, and improve air quality. Where possible, consider:
Replanting after removal, particularly native species like oak, birch, or rowan.
Leaving a dead tree standing (if safe) for habitat value
Creating log piles for insects and fungi
At Great Oaks Tree Services, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, safety record, and customer care. Whether it’s a simple pruning job or a complex removal, our team ensures your trees are managed responsibly and with minimal disruption.
By working with a qualified tree surgeon, you not only protect your property and ensure safety but also contribute to responsible environmental stewardship.
If you’re considering removing a tree on your property, our team at Great Oaks Tree Services is here to help. From initial assessments and legal compliance to safe removal and eco-friendly disposal, we handle it all with care and expertise.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let our experienced tree surgeons guide you through every step of the process.
Yes, if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located in a conservation area, you must get permission from your local authority before carrying out any work.
You can check with your local council’s planning department or their online planning portal to see if a TPO applies to a specific tree.
Costs vary based on tree size, location, and complexity, but prices typically range from a few hundred pounds for small trees to over £1,500 for large or hazardous removals. Contact us for a quote today.
DIY removal is strongly discouraged due to safety and legal risks. It’s best to hire a qualified tree surgeon to ensure the work is carried out legally and safely.
You can choose to leave it, grind it down, or remove it entirely. Stump grinding is the most common option for future replanting or landscaping.
Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Book this date, Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and HarnessOr call the training office on 01772 369694
