Council owned trees

We look after many trees in parks and public open space and carry out an annual programme of management and planting work.

Trees are deemed to be our property if they grow within the boundaries of any buildings we own, or on public open spaces, anyone wilfully damaging trees risks prosecution.

Trees and the law

The law protects certain individual and groups of trees. Trees that a covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are located within a Conservation Area are protected by planning legislation. This legislation makes it an offence to carry out any work on those trees without prior permission from the Local Authority Planning Department.

Some advice for private tree owners

• Always contact the Local Authority to ensure that the trees are not protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), planning constraints or that the tree is within a Conservation Areas.
• Always employ a suitable trained professional Tree Surgeon, who is covered by Public Liability Insurance. (Always ask for proof).
• Be careful about employing house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons.
• Reputable Tree Surgeons will always have some form of professional identification and qualification proof. Always ask to see it.

For further information:

• Contact: Contracts Team
• Email: contracts@eden.gov.uk
• Telephone: 01768 817817
• Address: Eden District Council, Mansion House, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7YG
• Fax: 01768 890027