Trees within our Conservation Area are automatically protected from being cut down or having work done to them. This is because trees can contribute significantly to the special character of a Conservation Area.
If you want to prune or remove a garden tree in a Conservation Area you must give the Planning department of the council 6 weeks notice.
You do not normally need to give notice to cut down or do work on trees that are:-
• Less than 75mm in diameter (measured 1.5m above ground)
• Less that 100mm in diameter (measured 1.5m above ground), if it is to help the growth of other trees (silvicultural thinning)
• If the tree is dead or dangerous (it is advisable to inform the council and keep evidence of the exemption. A reputable tree surgeon should be your first point of advice).
Woody shrubs are not protected unless they are over 75mm trunk diameter measured 1.5m above ground. Hedges are not exempt from protection with regard to them containing trees. The council takes the view, however, that management of what is clearly a hedge (planted as a screen and pruned as a hedge) should not require a Conservation Area Notice to maintain.
In addition to this, a specific tree may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), in which case a tree works application must be made on the appropriate form and no work may be started until permission has been received. The council has a duty to respond to a TPO application within 8 weeks from validation.
To ensure there is no misinterpretation of the above, it is advisable to contact the Planning department of Birmingham City Council before carrying out any work. All work should be carried out in accordance with good arboricultural practice.
If you wilfully destroy a protected tree, you could be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 in the Magistrates court.
When choosing a Tree Surgeon please choose carefully.
If you are planning to remove a tree or are concerned about a private tree in our area then you should contact Richard Wood at Birmingham City Council.
Richard Wood
Principal Arboricultural Officer – South City Design and Conservation Planning
0121 464 0681
Richard.Wood@birmingham.gov.uk