Tree Works Applications

This section is for you to provide additional information in support of your application. In particular, you should include the information below if your application relates to the condition of the tree, or damage that the tree is causing.

For works to a tree or tree(s) covered by a TPO

(a) Condition of tree(s)

The presence and impact of pests, diseases or fungi that mean works need to be carried out to the tree(s) should be described in written evidence or diagnostic information. This information should be supplied by an arboriculturalist or other appropriate expert.

If the application argues that there are defects which mean the tree or parts of the tree cannot be retained currently  or in the future, this must also be supported by arboricultural evidence.

(b) Alleged damage to property

If your application alleges that a tree or trees is causing damage to your property, you should include the following:

Subsidence:

Structural Engineers and/or Chartered Surveyor's report, supported by technical analysis from other experts such as root specialists and soil analysis. These reports must include:

1. A description of the property, including
   • a description of the damage and the crack pattern,
   • the date that the damage first occurred/was noted,
   • details of any previous underpinning or building work,
   • the geological strata for the site identified from the geological map;
2. Details of vegetation in the vicinity and its management since discovery of the damage. Include a plan showing the vegetation and affected building;
3. Measurement of the extent and distribution of vertical movement using level monitoring. Where level monitoring is not possible, state why and provide crack-monitoring data. Data provided must be sufficient to show a pattern of movement consistent with the presence of the implicated tree(s);
4. A profile of a trial/borehole dug to identify foundation type and depth and soil characteristics;
5. The sub-soil characteristics including soil type, particularly that on which the foundations rest, liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index;
6. The location and identification of roots found. Where identification is inconclusive, DNA testing should be carried out; and
7. Proposals and estimated costs of options to repair the damage.

In addition, you must also include a report from an arboriculturalist to support the tree work proposals, including arboricultural options for avoiding or remedying tree related damage.

Other Structural Damage

Technical evidence demonstrating other structural damage, such as damage to garden walls, drains, paving and drive surfaces, should be provided by a relevant engineer, building/drainage surveyor or other appropriate expert.