A tree that’s in the way of your garden, or looks like it’s dying, can be annoying to deal with.
You don’t want to cut it down and have to pay a professional to remove it, but you also don’t want it falling on your house while you’re not looking.
There are plenty of ways to tackle this problem, from finding an arborist who will do the work for you to simply allowing nature to take its course with the tree, but there are also some reasons why it’s not always the best choice, read on to find out why it may not likely be the best choice.
What Trees Can Be Cut Down Without Permission?
Depending on the tree, you may or may not need permission to cut it down.
If the tree is on your property, then you have the right to cut it down. However, if the tree is on your neighbor’s property, you will need their permission.
Some trees are protected by law, so be sure to check before cutting any tree down.
One of these protected trees is called ash dieback, which is caused by an invasive fungus.
This tree disease has been known to wipe out entire populations of ash trees.
If you do find yourself needing to cut down a tree on someone else’s property, you should make sure that it isn’t one of these ash trees.
Cutting down trees without permission is called trespassing, so be sure that you don’t cut any trees down without either your own or your neighbor’s permission.
If you do need to cut down a tree on someone else’s property, always be courteous and ask before proceeding.
Most people are more than happy to help you out if they know about it beforehand.
When To Cut Down A Tree On Your Property?
You may be wondering when the best time to cut down a tree on your property is.
There are a few things to consider before making this decision.
First, you need to check with your local municipality to see if there are any regulations in place regarding tree removal.
Secondly, you need to take into account the health of the tree. If the tree is diseased or poses a safety hazard, it may be best to remove it sooner rather than later.
Thirdly, you need to consider the cost of removal.
If you don’t want to remove your tree, then you’ll need to consider pruning it.
This process is generally recommended every one to three years, depending on your location.
What Trees Are Protected?
Depending on where you live, there may be laws against cutting down certain types of trees.
In the U.S., for example, the Endangered Species Act protects certain trees from being cut down. Before you make any decisions, it’s important to do your research and find out if there are any regulations in place that could impact your decision.
A tree’s size can also determine if it is protected from being cut down.
If you live near an old-growth forest, for example, cutting down any trees could put their habitat at risk.
There are several exceptions to what kind of trees are protected, however. For instance, dead or dying trees or ones that have been damaged by natural disasters can be cut down without worry.
But then again, it’s always best to check with local authorities before you do anything drastic.
Is it Illegal to Cut down Trees during the Nesting Season?
It’s generally legal to cut down trees on your property, but there are some restrictions.
You can’t cut down a tree that’s protected by law, such as an endangered species.
And, depending on where you live, you may need to get a permit before cutting down certain types of trees. Plus, there are some times of the year when it’s illegal to cut down trees, like during the nesting season for birds.
Another important thing to consider is whether or not you want to cut down a tree.
This can be a very expensive, time-consuming process, especially if it’s an old or huge tree.
You also have to make sure you remove all of the debris after cutting down your tree.
And if you don’t know what kind of tree it is, it’s best to leave it alone. There are certain trees with hazardous chemicals that can seep into your water supply when they’re cut down.
ALSO SEE: How Many Trees Were In The Garden Of Eden?
How To Report Illegal Tree Felling
According to the Forestry Commission, it is illegal to fall a tree without the proper permissions in place.
- If you suspect that someone has felled a tree illegally, you can report it to the local authority or the police.
- There are a few things you should keep in mind before making a report, though.
- First, try to get as much information about the incident as possible, including pictures or videos if possible.
- This will help the authorities investigate the incident more effectively.
Once you’ve made your report, it will be assessed by an officer. If there is enough evidence of illegal tree felling, they may follow up with inquiries of their own, or take more formal action if necessary.
Tree Preservation Order
If you have a tree in your garden that you want to remove, you may need to apply for a tree preservation order (TPO).
TPOs are put in place to protect trees that are considered to be of special interest.
Trees with TPOs cannot be removed without permission from the local planning authority.
If you want to fall your tree, you can apply for permission through your local planning authority.
You’ll need to outline your reasons for wanting to remove it.
Trees are usually considered of special interest if they’re rare or very old, or if they have public amenity value (such as screening unsightly buildings).
Your application will be considered by an independent panel of experts who may grant you permission for removal with conditions attached.
TPOs do not apply to all trees. If you have a tree that is neither of special interest nor protected, it can be cut down without any restrictions or penalties.
You must still comply with relevant planning regulations, however.
How To Cut Down A Small Tree By Hand
If you’re thinking about cutting down a small tree in your garden, there are a few things you should consider first.
On the plus side, you’ll be able to get rid of an eyesore, open up more space in your yard, and perhaps even save some money on landscaping costs.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. You’ll need to invest in the proper equipment, and there’s always the risk that you could damage your property or injure yourself in the process.
Considerations aside, there are several methods you can use to safely cut down small trees by hand. Here’s what you’ll need
To cut down a small tree, you’ll need to do some planning ahead of time. You should find out if there are any local laws about cutting down trees on your property or having them removed by professionals.
If so, it’s important to abide by those regulations to avoid legal trouble.
You’ll also need to decide on your approach. You can decide to rent or purchase power tools to do all of the work, but it will likely be cheaper and safer to cut down small trees by hand.
Finally, once you’ve made your preparations, it’s time to cut down your tree. To do so safely, consider these tips
In general, it’s best to cut down small trees with a saw.
However, if you don’t have access to one, you can also use an ax or handsaw.
If you’re going to use a handsaw, consider using two workers. As one person is cutting through your tree’s trunk, his or her partner should be holding it steady so it doesn’t fall over.
After you’ve made your cuts, your tree should fall safely to either side. If you plan to cut down multiple trees, it’s best to start on smaller ones first while working your way up.
Guide To Cutting Down Trees On Your Property
If you’re thinking about cutting down a tree on your property, there are a few things you should consider first.
Trees can provide shade and beauty to your home, decide if the tree is to be a nuisance before you decide to cut it down a tree.
Also, weigh the pros and cons carefully before doing so.
Plus, you may need to go through a tree cutting permit process if your local municipality requires one.
You must have permission from local authorities to cut down trees on publicly owned land.
If you live in an area with many trees and vegetation, there may be restrictions or regulations governing when or how often you can cut down trees.
You should also think about who will cut down your tree.
You can do it yourself or you can hire someone to do it for you. If you’re going to have a professional handle cutting down your tree, check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) first.
The BBB will let you know if they’ve received any complaints against that company and whether those complaints were resolved.
If possible, ask friends or family members for recommendations on trusted local companies to use when cutting down trees on your property.