FAQ’s

Greengrowth Services

• Will you leave my garden clean & tidy?

  Yes. This is a very important part of our work-we can guarantee to leave your garden as we found it.

• Will you consider the natural environment & life?

  Yes. We have a duty to make sure that our work does not adversely impact on the environment or wildlife.

  In most cases this would not be a concern and it’s unlikely this would hinder tree work operations.

• Are you insured?

  Yes, I am insured in all aspects of tree surgery and grounds maintenance.

• What measures will you take to make the site safe during work?

  We will endeavour to keep the safety of the site our priority, if needs be we will tape off areas of the site and signs will be erected telling the public of the dangers. We can arrange for prior warning to be given to relevant parties, neighbours etc.

Tree Care

• When is the best time of year to have work done to my trees and hedges?

  It is recommended that trees are worked on after leaf fall and before bud burst. This, however, is not true for all species so we would prefer to look at each tree individually and give you a written report.

  • Some examples of trees requiring work at other times are Cherry, Plum and related trees (Prunus species) These should be pruned soon after flowering to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
  • Maple and Birch should not be pruned in the spring to avoid ‘bleeding’ (exuding sap), which although not considered damaging can be unsightly.
  • Magnolia and Walnut should only be pruned in high summer.
  • Most common species of hedges can be cut any time of the year but again we would confirm this after inspection.
• How can I tell if my tree is hazardous?

  We will endeavour to keep the safety of the site our priority, if needs be we will tape off areas of the site and signs will be erected telling the public of the dangers. We can arrange for prior warning to be given to relevant parties, neighbours etc.

• Can I use the wood chip from my trees?

  Many of our customers now keep the chippings for future use on the garden as mulch – ideal for keeping weeds out and moisture in. This depends on the type of chip and its intended use. A number of trees when chipped are unsuitable for garden use.

  We’ll do our best to advise on your particular circumstances

Law

• Do I always need to seek permission if a tree is protected?

  Yes except for cutting down trees in accordance with one of the Forestry Commission’s grant schemes, or where the commission has granted a felling license.

  You can cut down or cut back a tree under the following exemptions:

  • If the tree is dead, dying or dangerous.
  • In line with an obligation under an Act of Parliament.
  • At the request of certain organisations specified in the order.
  • If it is directly in the way of development that is about to start for which detailed planning permission has been granted.
  • In a commercial orchard, or pruning fruit trees in accordance with good horticultural practice.
  • To prevent or control a legal nuisance (you may find it helpful to check first with a solicitor).

• What if my tree has a Tree Preservation Order on it or I live in a Conservation Area?

  A tree preservation order (referred to as a ‘TPO’) is an order made by a local planning authority (‘LPA’) in respect of trees or woodlands and can be on any tree.

  Trees in conservation areas may be the subject of a TPO and subject to normal TPO controls. But the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 also makes special provisions for trees in conservation areas which are not the subject of a TPO.

  Anyone proposing to cut down or carry out work on a tree in a conservation area is required to give the LPA six weeks’ prior notice (a ‘section 211 notice’). The purpose of this requirement is to provide the LPA with an opportunity to consider whether a TPO should be made in respect of the tree.

  Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historical interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

  They are designated by LPAs and are often, though not always, centred around listed buildings. Other buildings and landscape features, including trees, may also contribute to the special character of a conservation area.

  Trees that are exempt from TPOs are those that are dead, dying, diseased or dangerous and fruit trees grown for the commercial production of fruit.

  A 5-day notice may still apply (checking with planning is essential). TPOs prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, even pruning, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without consent.

  Currently, the maximum penalty for carrying out works on TPO trees without consent is £20,000.

  Trees in conservation areas may also be protected even if they are not covered by a tree preservation order.

  You must give the council six weeks’ notice of any works that you intend to carry out on such trees.