Tree fallen over and uprooted due to storm

[SJ1982]

Hello I have very recently purchased a house in a conservation area. I'll admit I don't know a huge amount about conservation areas.

 

Today I've discovered that a tree with a TPO on my property has fallen over completely during the storm, it's literally missed my house by 2 inches., however the tree is now lying across my driveway completely uprooted and horizontal.

 

I have a few questions that I'd like to ask for help about please:

1. Do I need to notify the council about the tree? I have taken a video of it but I'm assuming I should notify them so that it can be removed from any records since it now really no longer exists.

2. Do I really have to replant another tree in place of this one? I've read the new tree has to be the same size and species, or I may have misunderstood. Regardless do I really need to replant a tree if I haven't purposely removed this one? For context my house has other trees around it, there is another with a TPO in my back garden and thankfully it is still upright otherwise that one would destroy my house if were to fall.

3. Who removes the tree? Does the council remove it or is it my responsibility since it is in my land? It's 8 metres long. If it is my responsibility to remove can I have it cut up to take it to the rubbish tip or is there another process? Apologies if this last question sounds stupid but I want to ensure I'm doing the right thing and the best thing. The tree is/was 8 metres tall/long but not massively thick. Is there any use I can make out of it so that it's not just thrown away? I've seen people repurpose trees for display but like I said it's not very thick. 

[peds]

Someone with a wealth of knowledge about the TPO side of things will be along shortly to answer the meat of your questions, but in the meantime, what species is/was the tree, and would you mind sharing a few photos of the casualty? This will help people offer advice on the best way to about getting rid of the evidence. 

An 8m goat willow is not the same animal as an 8m monkey puzzle!

[Mick Dempsey]

1: Dunno, best send some photos and an explanation recorded delivery to your tree officer, to cover your arse.
2: If (and I doubt you have to replace a naturally fallen tree) it certainly won’t need to be the same size, don’t worry about that.

3:You have to remove it yourself/pay some to do it.

[openspaceman]

Just now, Mick Dempsey said:

2: If (and I doubt you have to replace a naturally fallen tree)

As the tree has fallen naturally it has not been felled, killed or uprooted in contravention of a TPO and therefore no reason for a replacement  under the TPO.

 

I would advise doing only the minimum work to make safe or gain access until the council have had a chance to inspect.

[SJ1982]

I've no idea of the species. I have a video which I'll try to upload, if anyone would be able to make out the species from that. I simply bought the house because I fell in love but have no knowledge of trees or plants 🤦🏽‍♀️

[Mick Dempsey]

Pretty sure it’s a cherry.

Someone should be able to clear that away for £150 or £200 easy.

[SJ1982]

I don't know how to reply to each of you individually, but thank you so far in reassuring me that I don't have to replant it due to it falling naturally. That's a relief.

 

I will look into having it removed, thankfully I can gain access into and out of the house with the tree in its current location. Is there any use that can be made out of the tree? Can it be used for firewood if I have it chopped up? It's a shame but at the same time a relief that it wasn't wider because I've seen trees used as table tops for side tables, but I just feel bad simply throwing it into a skip at the tip.

 

I have the email address of the person at the council who deals with the trees, completely forgotten his job title, but I will send him the video and see what he advises regarding having it recorded that the tree no longer exists.

[SJ1982]

Thank you. I have a van so I'm able to take it to the tip once it's cut up. I'm assuming all of that can only be done once the council give the go ahead.

 

 

[Mick Dempsey]

The wood is ok for firewood. 
 

[SJ1982]

Thank you Mick. I think that's answered my questions.

Thank you all for your assistance.