Who owns the tree for sure?

[DTaylor]

I live in Bristol and have a friend who wants his tree cut. He says he has spoken to the council and they do not claim him tree which looks like its on the border of what would be his or their land. I dont want to start work on the tree until I know for sure though. Is there a website with a map of council trees I can check or is it best to make a phone call to the council. Also Is there a map of trees under tree protection order that I can check as well? 

[Marc Lewis]

It is quite common of the council to say they want nothing to do with tree and let you crack on.

[Anno]

it is also quite common for the Councils tree to be felled without permission leading to a substantial fine - check with the Council!

[janey]

The Local Authority will have an Assets Team who will be able to tell you definitively whether the tree in question is Council maintained or not, although if it's not council they more than likely won't be able to say who does. Data protection, Crown copyright, etc. 

 

How you can actually get hold of someone in that Team and how much they will charge are different matters entirely! You can always start with having a look at the Land Reg site, but be mindful that the boundaries shown are a guide only.

 

Most Planning Authorities are now catching up with the modern age and have an interactive online map to show their trees subject to a Preservation Order and where their Conservation Areas are. 

Edited November 5, 2019 by janey

[Spideylj]

You can carry out a Land Registry search on the land in question.  It'll cost you £3 but you'll have a definitive answer on who owns the tree.  Some people assume land is owned by the Council but often it isn't.  Land Registry search is quick and easy to do.

[janey]

Just a quick note on @Spideylj's post above - you can create an account and look at all of the maps and get the Title Deed numbers on the Land Registry site for £free. You only have to pay if you want a copy of any of the docs and to see who's the Proprietor Absolute for any registered property. Use the boundaries shown with caution as they are a GUIDE only and if said tree is on a boundary and not slap bang in the centre of the highlighted area, then more investigation may be necessary. There's also a really useful download available on the site explaining what boundary features, including trees, are and who is responsible for their maintenance. 

[JonnyRFT]

If that part of the boundary is the responsibility of your friend then chances are, the tree will be also providing it’s obvious the tree is situated right on it.

 

Ask for a TPO & Cons check like you would anyway from the LA.

 

Since your friend  has already spoken to the LA, it would be best to get confirmation through an email.

 

Lastly, double check the LA GIS system (if that council has one) and/or get a Land Registry search for a small fee.

 

It’s good to cover all bases as inferring boundary responsibilities is a risky move.