What are my responsibilities as a tree owner?
If a tree is growing within the boundary of your property, you as the owner have a responsibility to ensure it is maintained and is in a safe state. As a tree owner you have a responsibility to ensure your tree does not cause damage or injury to others. In law this is dealt with under Common Law Duty - the duty of care.
What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A TPO is an order made by local Councils whereby it is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without the permission of the local planning authority.
What is a Conservation Area?
A conservation area is "an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance". (Planning Act 1990 - Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas). Effectively all trees are protected within this area and the council requires notification to carry out any tree work.
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 but does not allow you to trespass to achieve this. Common sense suggests the best course of action is to discuss the problem with the tree owner and come to an amicable agreement. It may be more beneficial for the tree to receive a crown lift or reduction as opposed to cutting back just the offending branch(es). It is recommended to carry out any tree works in accordance with good horticultural or arboricultural practice. Poor tree work can be counterproductive and is potentially dangerous.
I'm having problems with leaves falling from a neighbour's trees, what can I do?.
Leaf fall is a natural, seasonal occurrence and the trees’ owners are not responsible for the leaves their trees shed into neighbouring properties
What are the benefits of having trees in my garden?
Trees provide many benefits, including 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. The Tree Council claims studies have shown people are calmer when trees are in their environment.
My neighbour's trees cast large amounts of shade over my garden. Do I have a "right to light?"
There is no effective right to light or a view in English law. 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?
We aren’t able to provide accurate quotations over the phone as every tree, stump and garden is different and has its own special features and issues. Our pricing policy is based on a number of factors including the tree species, its condition, its size and where the tree and property is located. For example if the tree is in a rear garden, parking and access route to the garden must be considered for the removal and disposal of the resulting debris. We also have to take into consideration any garden features which are in close proximity to the tree, such as sheds, greenhouses and fences to ensure there is no damage to these during the operation.
I'm thinking of having some work done on my tree but I am concerned about health and safety. What safety measures do you use?
Artemis Tree Services have an impeccable safety record. Our operational teams of tree surgeons, climbers and ground staff have all undergone industry recognized training and our Health and Safety policies are in place to be adhered to. We constantly review our policies ensuring our methods are up to date and our staff refreshed on safety procedures. A Risk Assessment and Method Statement is mandatory and always carried out before work commences.
I appreciate that accidents can happen. What if my property gets damaged as a result of the tree work you are undertaking?
Artemis Tree Services has procedures in place to ensure we work safely and efficiently and the methods and techniques we employ are designed to minimise the risk of accidents happening. In the unlikely event of damage occurring to any of your property, we are fully insured for public and personal liability to the tune of 5 and 10 million pounds respectively and will make good any damage resulting directly from our actions.
I have received an estimate but do not understand the terminology.
Our policy is to consult with you at the site of the tree(s) in question and advise you on any tree work that we recommend. This is a free service and the quotation we will then provide you with will be based purely on our discussions during our site visit. We always ensure you understand both the process and the results we aim to achieve without clouding the issue with industry jargon and terminology. Further information can be found on the "Services" pages of the website and will assist you in understanding some of the more general terms that may be used.
I am concerned about the environment and want to know more about what happens to my tree waste.
Artemis Tree Services are 100% committed to caring for trees and ultimately the environment in general, and consequently all of the waste produced by our work is 100% recycled at a biofuel power station. However we do get enquiries about supplying logs for burning in open fireplaces, using as features in the garden or even sculpting, and woodchip mulch for weed suppressing and for decorative borders. Please feel free to let us know if you wish to keep logs or woodchip.
When is the best time to prune fruit trees?
The best time to prune fruit trees is during their dormant season. Between October and late February is the ideal time as this will give enough time for recovery from the pruning before buds begin to swell in early spring. Regular pruning ensures the tree is clear of dead wood and crossing branches, especially within the centre of the crown allowing air to circulate more freely and protect the tree from disease.
I have evergreen trees in my garden. They all seem to have brown leaves within the crown, are they diseased or dying?
Due to the density of most coniferous trees, 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. If brown leaves begin to appear on the outside and tips of the branches there may be a problem. If this is the case we will be able to inspect the tree and provide you with the best advice as to the tree’s health.
