Keen gardeners may be breaking the law in their own garden without knowing, experts have warned. As the summer months come around, many of us head into the garden for a tidy-up. However, cutting back or removing certain trees may land you a hefty fine. 

Gardening experts at My Home Improvements explain that many gardeners don’t realise that certain trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). As a result, damaging, destroying or chopping a protected tree down without the necessary permission could be considered a criminal offence. In certain cases, Brits may face criminal prosecution and an eye-watering fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates’ court. 

Martin Fielding, 51, from Stockport, is one person who made this discovery too late. He was handed a letter from the council after cutting back a tree in his garden. “It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,” he said. 

“So I gave it a proper cut.”

Shortly after trimming the tree, Mr Fielding received a letter from the local council informing him that the tree was protected, and that he may have breached the order by cutting it too much. 

“I didn’t even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,” Mr Fielding explained. 

“I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.”

My Home Improvements urges gardeners to check with your council before making any changes to large trees, and to not assume that it is fine to cut just because it’s in your garden. 

The experts emphasise the importance of getting written permission, as if it’s protected, you will need it before doing any work to it. 

“The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,” says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert. “Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.”

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent certain trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed. They often apply to trees with environmental or historical value.