Public urged to check before working on trees

People need to check if trees have protection orders before carrying out work on them, a council says.

North Devon Council said the "straightforward step" could "prevent serious consequences", highlighting several people had been recently prosecuted for damaging woodland trees covered by tree preservation orders (TPO).

The authority said recent cases included a tree surgeon was ordered to pay a total of £4,252, and four residents each ordered to pay a total of £780.

Malcolm Prowse, council lead member for regeneration, economic development and planning, said: "Tree preservation orders exist to protect trees that make a real contribution to our environment and the character of our communities."

He said the recent prosecutions highlighted "the importance of checking whether a TPO applies before carrying out any work on trees".

He said: "We would always urge residents and contractors to check with the council before work begins to avoid irreversible harm and the risk of prosecution.

"It is a straightforward step that can prevent serious consequences."

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