What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[Couperman]

We have a few large trees in our garden, probably in the region of 10 metres high.

A silver birch, a holly and a large cherry tree or two.

 

Whilst I hate the idea of chopping down a perfectly good tree. They are getting rather large and are fairly close to the property that backs onto us. They also seem to block out all of their light. I haven't spoke to them about it but I am a bit concerned.

 

Anyway, we were thinking of having them cut down (the trees, not the neighbours ) and replacing them with a load of dwarf fruit trees to make a mini orchard type affair for the hens to play in. And the fruit would be useful too..

 

Would we need planning permission before I call Claret the bikini clad lumberjack?

 

Kev.

[Space Chick]

It depends, could the trees have Tree Preservation orders on them? If so, you wouldn't be able to cut them down without permission and evidence that they could cause a danger and damage.

 

Your local council should be able to advise you.

 

I'd keep Claret the Lumberjack on standby, rather than book her just yet

[The Dogmother]

OI!

 

As Space Chick said, you need to check first with the council to see if they have preservation orders on them. Could they just be lopped rather than felled?

 

Be aware that if a silver birch is near your house, then it will need regular trimming to keep the roots small - they are water-seeking rather like willow roots, so will burrow towards the hosue or your drains/water main.

[Blackrocksrock]

I am no expert but have a tree surgeon arboriculturist husband who has surrounded our bungalow with beautiful silver birch trees which he tells me are no threat at all to the foundations of the bungalow - They dont need trimmed at the tops really as it spoils them - only at the bottoms and if they split into 2 stems on the way up = you should be able to see a local plan on the computer from your council and ascertain whether you are in a tpo area - if not take them down and they will make wonderful logs to burn (will burn green too) and plant your orchard

[SarahJo]

I found this site www.gardenlaw.co.uk really helpful re. erecting a new fence with a stroppy neighbour. It covers just about everything in the forum section.

 

Hope it helps.

[Jools]

Also check if you're in a Conservation Area with the council, because if so, you need to give them notice of your intention to carry out work to the trees. This gives them time to assess the work and whether the trees need TPOing or not.

 

Whether they're a risk to any buildings very much depends on soil type as well as a few other factors.

 

Silver Birch won't take much of a reduction and absolutely not "lopping". The wood does burn beautifully though.

 

They are a beautiful garden tree, we've planted a few here - they're one of my favourites.

[Guest]

Hi

 

I live in a village conservation area and boy I was glad I got the Tree lady out free of charge from the council she was really helpful but I did find my opinion didnt matter it was more like can I take he tree down as its ie dangerous etc ??I did feel I had to let her make the decision.

 

She wasnt interested if it was near a neighbours house(you should be insured..her answer )

 

But she did like it that I was going to replace. I had to put the request for a visit in writing and the council wrote to me with a summary of what I was allowed to do. It didnt take long for her to pop out to visit.

 

And why I was so glad to get permision was on a follow up visit for more trees to be removed she actually told me a couple of locals had rang the council once we took them down, which had I NOT got permission would have resulted in a massive fine ie £25k or something crazy.

 

My advice is get it done properly, there are rules ie a certain height and circumference doesnt need permission(but check cant remember its quite small).

 

My next door neighbour told me later he was one of them who complained(nice)!

 

I took about 6 ash trees and a sycamore down(2 were diseased)

 

indie

[Couperman]

OI!

 

As Space Chick said, you need to check first with the council to see if they have preservation orders on them. Could they just be lopped rather than felled?

 

Be aware that if a silver birch is near your house, then it will need regular trimming to keep the roots small - they are water-seeking rather like willow roots, so will burrow towards the hosue or your drains/water main.

 

Whilst they are beautiful and nowhere near our house they are within about ten feet of our neighbours house and their foundations. Haven't met them so I do not have a problem with them but I wish to be a nice neighbour, just to make a change I am aware of the fact that felling the trees may cause a bigger problem than not. So will seek advice me thinks.

 

Our garden floods big stlye as there used to be a stream that passed by the end of our garden. This was replaced with a pipe (e-ons ago) i suspect the pipe is blocked and the trees were planted to help the situation.

 

I will plant the dwarf trees I think then worry about the bigguns.

 

As far as the conservation order thing goes I really really doubt it.

 

Sorry Clare

 

Kev.

[The Dogmother]

No worries Kev, I hope that it goes OK.

[chickenanne]

You could ask your neighbours what they think? Seems like a big part of the reason is your neighbours property, so it might be best to ask them in case they really love the trees or whatever.

[TheGirlsMum]

Here in Cornwall you need permission for anything, not that this worries everyone.....

 

But might be worth a phone call to check first.