Rules on removing tree (which hang over pavement)

[Hyper88]

I have a tree, which is on the edge of my property. The tree trunk is growing diagonally, in such as way the no one can walk on the pavement. I am surprised the council has never written in. People have to walk around the tree.

I just want to know the rules and regulations regarding removing this tree.

This tree started life as a weed. It causing problems as the garden tiles have lifted up.

Do I need to get permission from the council, as the trunk is growing diagonally over the pavement?

If I do this job myself, what safety precautions do I need to talk?

After removing the trunk. How much digging would I need to do to get rid of the roots?

 

[Nakajo]

What kind of a tree is it?

 

[noseall]

Do I need to get permission from the council, as the trunk is growing diagonally over the pavement?

Yes. You will need a contractors license to work on a public highway. This will mean liability insurance a demolition company would be proud of. Warning signs. Barriers. Correct procedure for making good the footpath etc.

If I do this job myself, what safety precautions do I need to talk?

As above and probably not.

After removing the trunk. How much digging would I need to do to get rid of the roots?

Depends. Anything with a trunk base diameter wider than say 150mm will offer up plenty of resistance. It depends on the tree and what tools you have at your disposal.

Just pray there is no TPO on it otherwise forget even removing any leaves!

 

[b3taman]

Hi rajeshk4u,
1. If you contact the tree officer at your local council, he/she will most likely be able to tell you if there is a TPO on it. Some people worry about contacting a tree officer as it draws attention to the tree and they are worried that a TPO will then be put on it. Is it a good specimen? I suspect that if it's already leaning at an angle over the pavement then it's not very likely that the tree officer will get very excited about it, and advise that it's a domestic matter for you to sort out. If there is a TPO on it then you'll need to apply for PP to do any work on it - if it's leaning over the road/pavement then they'd be unlikely to refuse permission. I think you'll find there are no planning fees charged for TPO applications.
2. Find a tree surgeon. There are two types, those that won't work on public land because they don't have public liability insurance, and those that will and do. Get several quotes, it helps if you're not looking for the work done in a hurry or they'll jack their prices up. I would guess for a fairly straightforward job taking down and removing a 12-15m tree and not involving traffic lights and finished in a day you'd be looking at £800 - £1000. You may get a better rate than this, but you'd be lucky!
You'd be better off leaving the stump at ground level if you can, and simply raising all the slabs up around the tree area on a new base rather than trying to grind the stump or dig it out.
Hope this helps.

 

[cjard]

It would have been helpful for you to say how big the tree is. What is the diameter of the trunk at a point 1 metre off the ground?