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Don't Let Illegal Tree Fellers Branch Out

The Borough of Poole's Planning Enforcement team is warning Poole residents to be wary of rogue tree fellers offering to either cut back or cut down overgrown trees for a price as taking them up on their offer may lead to heavy fines for the homeowner.

Cutting down any trees must be treated with caution as many are covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). A TPO is an order made by local planning authorities to protect trees which offer an amenity value to the appearance of an area and the loss of which would have a negative effect on the environment and its enjoyment by the public.

Cutting down, uprooting, pruning, damaging or destroying trees protected by a TPO without seeking permission can result in heavy fines for the homeowner amounting to as much as £20,000.  Anyone wishing to remove a tree can check if it has a TPO by contacting the Planning Department at the Council on 01202 633321.

Recently the Council has received reports of illegal tree cutters operating in the local area and the Enforcement Team is working with other authorities to clamp down on this activity. In the meantime they are warning people not to be tempted into having their trees cut back or removed by these rogue traders.

Darryl Howells at Borough of Poole said: "Not only do trees play an important environmental role but they also impact heavily on the local landscape and cutting them back or taking them down regardless of these considerations can have serious consequences. We urge people to check with us before carrying out any works to trees on their property and to turn these rogue tree fellers away if they come knocking."

Darryl Howells, Planning Manager (Enforcement) at Borough of Poole on 01202 633304