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Trees

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Is my property within a conservation area?

This information can be found on the DDC website Interactive maps

Are my trees protected by a tree preservation order?

This information is not available on the DDC Website, please telephone 01304 872482 or email Conservation@dover.gov.uk.

A tree in my garden is dead/dying; I want the tree officer to come out and have a look.

This is not a service offered by this Council, you need to employ a tree surgeon to give advice.

Can you recommend a tree surgeon?

It is Council policy not to recommend.

What is the maximum height a tree is allowed to be?

There is no maximum height.

My neighbour’s tree is shading and/or overhanging my garden.

The Council has no powers to intervene in what is essentially a neighbour dispute, see below. 

Suggestions to negotiate a solution with your neighbour:

• Inform your neighbour of the problem.
• Invite your neighbour to see the problem from your garden.
• Try to agree a course of action; it may be necessary to offer a contribution to the cost of works.
• If successful, check with this Council whether any consent is required for the proposed works.  Tel: 01304 872482 or email: Conservation@dover.gov.uk.
• If unsuccessful, mediation may be a way forward: Shepway & Dover Mediation Service.  Tel: 01303 227296 or email: shepwaymed@lineone.net
• You have the right under the Common Law of Nuisance to cut back any overhanging branches that are interfering with the reasonable enjoyment of your property.  Any material removed should be offered back to the owner of the tree.

I live in a conservation area, do I need permission to carry out work to my trees?

Any tree with stem diameter of 75mm at 1.5m above ground level requires six weeks notice, in writing, to the District Council.  Unauthorised works could result in a substantial fine. There is a form available for this purpose: form for conservation area trees.  For further advice on works to trees: Tree Topics

I have identified a tree that I believe to be threatened, can you protect it?

You should put your request in writing to the Conservation Section, giving details of the tree, its location, and why you believe it should be protected: Conservation Section, Dover District Council, White Cliffs Business Park, Dover, CT16 3PJ, or email  Conservation@dover.gov.uk

I have a tree in my garden that is protected by tree preservation order, what does it mean?

It means “no person shall cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy” any tree(s) that are protected by a tree preservation order (TPO).  Works to or removal of such trees requires the consent of the Local Authority; failure to obtain prior consent could result in a substantial fine.  There is no fee for such an application.

• Application form 23, checklist and notes. 
• More information on tree preservation orders:  Protected trees: a guide to tree preservation procedures
• For further advice on works to trees: Tree Topics

Contact

Telephone: (01304) 872205
E-mail: conservation@dover.gov.uk

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