Latest news with #MartinFielding
Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Households with trees in their home face risk of £20,000 fine this summer
There are strict laws in place surrounding the cutting down or trimming of trees in your garden - and many people could be falling foul of the rules without even realising it UK households with trees in their gardens could be slapped with a hefty £20,000 fine this August. This comes after Martin Fielding from Stockport, who believed he was simply trimming a "regular tree", received a shocking letter from the council. Experts are now warning that many UK households may not realise that trees in residential gardens can be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). This means that if you cut down, lop, damage or destroy a protected tree without permission, you could face criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, said: "It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence. So I gave it a proper cut. I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility," Mr Fielding continued. "I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands." Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements, explained: "The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected. It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine. "Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality," she added. So, check with your council - before cutting or trimming any large trees, contact your local authority to find out if there's a TPO in place. Don't take it for granted that it's alright just because it's in your garden and get written permission – if a tree is protected, you must apply for permission to do any work on it, reports Birmingham Mail. A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, advised: "Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble." They added: "Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court." Gardening during the summer months is an important task. If left on the side, the more it accumulates, the more time it will take from your busy schedules to clear up. Still, it's important to double-check with your local council before undertaking any job that may require more than just chopping a few leaves.
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' Plants that could damage the value of your home What is a Tree Preservation Order? A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' How to avoid a £20,000 fine To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Check with your council – before cutting or trimming any large trees, contact your local authority to find out if there's a TPO in place. Don't assume it's okay just because it's in your garden Get written permission – if a tree is protected, you must apply for permission to do any work on it. Recommended reading: Take photos before you prune – this helps if there's any dispute over what was done. Use a professional tree surgeon A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
Western Telegraph
22-04-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' Plants that could damage the value of your home What is a Tree Preservation Order? A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' How to avoid a £20,000 fine To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Check with your council – before cutting or trimming any large trees, contact your local authority to find out if there's a TPO in place. Don't assume it's okay just because it's in your garden Get written permission – if a tree is protected, you must apply for permission to do any work on it. Recommended reading: Take photos before you prune – this helps if there's any dispute over what was done. Use a professional tree surgeon A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
South Wales Guardian
22-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Recommended reading: Can you paint over algae on a fence? How to remove it Dog owners warned of fatal plants that could endanger pets Common garden tasks that could lead to hefty £26k fines A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
Rhyl Journal
21-04-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Homeowners could be fined £20k for cutting garden trees
Martin Fielding, from Stockport, thought it was just a 'regular tree' he was trimming back in his garden until he received an unsettling letter from the council. As more Brits dust off the tools and tidy up their gardens this spring, experts say thousands may unknowingly be breaking the law simply by cutting back or removing trees in their own backyard. According to home experts at My Home Improvements, many people don't realise that trees in residential gardens may be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). It means that if you cut down, lop, damage, or destroy a protected tree without permission, it could result in criminal prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000 in a magistrates' court. Mr Fielding, 51, didn't realise that certain trees – even if its in your garden – can be protected. 'It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence,' he explained. 'So I gave it a proper cut.' But soon after he received a letter from the local council telling him the tree was protected and that he may have breached the order by cutting back too much. 'I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility,' Mr Fielding continued. 'I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands.' A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection issued by your local council to prevent important trees from being cut, pruned, damaged or removed without consent. These orders apply to trees that have environmental, historical or aesthetic value and yes, even if they're on your private property. Failing to get approval before carrying out work on a protected tree is a criminal offence. 'The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected,' says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements. 'It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine,' Sophie explains. 'Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality.' To help homeowners avoid legal trouble this gardening season, My Home Improvements has shared some simple but important advice to keep things safe and legal in your garden. Recommended reading: Can you paint over algae on a fence? How to remove it Dog owners warned of fatal plants that could endanger pets Common garden tasks that could lead to hefty £26k fines A spokesperson from My Home Improvements, added: 'Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. "Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble. 'Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court.'
