Tree management

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Tree Management

Whether as part of woodlands, shelterbelts, hill top clumps, hedgerows or as single trees surrounded by nothing but fields or parkland, trees form a vital part of Wiltshire's landscape and local distinctiveness. Many trees are covered by Tree Preservation Orders, are within Conservation Areas, or are ancient trees. For these trees, special consideration is required before they are pruned, felled or significantly affected in any other way.

Tree Preservation Orders

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are legal documents that give protection to specified trees, groups of trees or woodlands of public amenity value. TPOs are made by local authorities, (in Wiltshire either Wiltshire Council or Swindon Borough Council); local authorities may make a TPO if it appears to be ‘expedient in the interests of amenity to make provision for the preservation of trees or woodlands in their area’. TPOs can be made as a result of development or on receiving requests from members of the public.

Causing damage to or deliberately cutting down a tree subject to a TPO is a criminal offence for which a person could be fined up to £20,000 if convicted in a magistrate’s court. The planting of replacement trees may also be required.

If you require further information on TPOs or need to know whether a particular tree in Wiltshire is covered by a TPO, please contact us using the details below.

Trees within Conservation Areas

There are special rules for trees in Conservation Areas. If you wish to fell, lop or top or uproot trees within a Conservation Area, you must give the Council six weeks notice in writing. It is an offence to carry out the work within that period without the consent of the Council.

If you have a query about Tree Preservation Orders, trees within Conservation Areas or trees that are affected by planning proposals or development works, you should contact the Arboricultural Officer at your area office:

• North (Chippenham Office) - 01249 706636
• South (Salisbury Office) - 01722 434416
• East (Devizes Office) - 01380 724911
• West (Bradley Rd Trowbridge Office) - 01225 776655

Ancient trees

Ancient (veteran) trees are as much a part of our heritage as the historic buildings they pre-date and in whose grounds they often live in. They are also extremely valuable for the wildlife they support. The insect and epiphytic plant communities associated with trees of great age are species-rich, and the trees themselves usually provide vital resting, breeding and feeding sites for a range of important species including European protected bat species.

Deciding on a definition of what is an ancient (veteran) tree is difficult. The term ancient or veteran tree can mean different things to different people. Perhaps the best interpretation is that given by Helen Read in her book ‘Veteran Trees – a Guide to Good Management’ (English Nature – 2000).

• Trees of interest biologically, aesthetically or culturally because of their age
• Trees in the ancient stage of their life
• Trees that are old relative to others of the same species

Wiltshire has a large ancient tree resource but information on ancient trees in Wiltshire is limited. There is a need for complete mapping of ancient trees in Wiltshire together with an assessment of their condition and actions for their long-term management.

Which trees does the Council have a responsibility to maintain?

Wiltshire Council is responsible for trees on its own land and on land managed by it. If you have a query about trees adjacent to a highway you should report this via our Customer Lighting And Roads Enquiry Centre or Clarence

If you have a query about trees on other Council land such as in Council owned or managed playing areas, public open spaces, country parks, nature reserves, picnic areas, car parks, woodlands or viewing areas, then you should contact the Countryside Section below.

Issues that we can resolve generally fall into the categories of dead, dying or dangerous trees, or trees that are causing damage to neighbouring properties.

Unfortunately Wiltshire Council does not have the resources to trim overhanging trees or trees blocking light. The number of trees and properties involved across the County means this is not feasible. Landowners have the right to trim any overhang up to their boundary.

A few problems have been experienced by some after the switch to digital TV; however, Wiltshire Council cannot fell trees or remove vegetation to enhance TV reception and so other remedies must be sought.

Related information

• Woodland in Wiltshire
• Forestry in Wiltshire
• Wood-pasture parkland and ancient trees
• Hedgerow habitat in Wiltshire

Last updated: 6 October 2011