Landowners are obligated to take reasonable measures to ensure their trees are both healthy and safe, fulfilling a “Duty of Care” as stipulated under Common Law.

For advice on tree health and the necessity of any work, it’s recommended to consult with a reputable arboricultural expert, such as an Arborist (Tree Surgeon) or Arboricultural Consultant, who can provide necessary services or guidance.

Currently there are no grants available from the Plymouth City Council to support work on privately owned trees.

To protect your trees from common diseases, it is important to maintain good tree health through proper watering, mulching, and regular pruning. Additionally, monitoring for early signs of disease and seeking prompt advice from a professional arborist can prevent more serious issues. Arborists can offer specific treatments such as fungicides or insecticides tailored to the particular disease or pest.

Trees in coastal areas like Plymouth are often exposed to strong winds which can stress the trees and lead to damage or weakened structures. A tree surgeon can help by structurally pruning the trees to reduce wind resistance, ensuring that they are more resilient and less likely to suffer from windthrow or breakage.

The best time for pruning most trees is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring, when the trees are not actively growing. This timing helps prevent disease transmission and reduces stress on the trees, allowing for vigorous growth in the spring. However, the timing can vary based on the specific type of tree and its flowering schedule.

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal measure that protects trees deemed significant due to their substantial contribution to the local environment and public benefit.

Generally, it is illegal to cut down, prune, uproot, intentionally harm, or destroy a tree under a TPO without prior approval from the planning authority.