by Robert Williams
The trees on the greens, along verges or in gardens make an important contribution to the appearance and character of our Estate. There have been recent incidents of rogue tree surgeons calling on residents and offering to carry out ‘urgent works’ to trees in private gardens. It is a common misunderstanding that if an individual tree does not have a Tree Preservation Order [TPO], it is not protected. However all the trees within our Conservation Area with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm at 1.5m above ground level are protected. This applies to both those in communal areas and in private gardens. If you wish to carry out work to a tree, you must give six weeks written notice to Southampton City Council – for further information and an application form, please see www.southampton.gov.uk/people-places/parks-open-spaces/trees/protected . Be warned – if someone prunes or destroys a tree without giving notice this can lead to a fine of up to £20,000! Anyone can advertise and call themselves a ‘tree surgeon’ or an ‘arborist’ but the charity The Arboricultural Association www.trees.org.uk produces a very helpful leaflet ‘Choosing your Tree Surgeon’ and, along with the International Society of Arboriculture, maintains a register of quality assured and certified tree surgeons. This register includes the tree surgeons who recently carried out works to trees within the communal areas of our Estate.