North York Moors National Park
 

Authority Services

Trees

 

The National Park Authority can provide advice on care, management and planting of trees.

When planning to carry out work on trees it is important to consider the needs of the tree. Incorrect pruning work can have a detrimental effect on the appearance and health of a tree and could ultimately make it unsafe.Work should be carried out in accordance with British Standard 3998: Recommendations for Tree Work (BS 3998), ideally by a qualified tree surgeon familiar with the standard. Working according to this standard will ensure that pruning and other work is carried out in ways that will benefit the tree in the long term and ensure overall health is maintained wherever possible.

Further advice is available on contacting a tree surgeon.

If you are a tree owner, you need to take reasonable steps to ensure that your tree will not cause harm to others or cause a nuisance as a result of your negligence. Regular inspection to an appropriate level followed by necessary tree work is always advisable.

Trees may be protected by law if covered by a Tree Preservation Order or if they are in a Conservation Area and you will need to contact the Woodlands Officer if you want to do any tree work. 

Some tree work may also require a felling licence from the Forestry Commission (Tel: 01904 448778). If your tree is in a Site of Special Scientific Interest you will need consent from English Nature. If it is on a Scheduled Ancient Monument, you will need to contact English Heritage.

Protected species can sometimes be affected too; trees may contain bat roosts or nesting birds or may be near a badger sett, for example. If in doubt, seek further advice on what to do. You can find out more information on Trees and the Law from the Arboricultural Information Exchange.

Trees have a limited life span and it is important to plan for their replacement.

Financial support is sometimes available for projects which encourage and maintain special trees.

For free advice:

  • Contact us or telephone Paul Harris at the National Park Office, Helmsley, 01439 770657.