Is this a hedge?

[benedmonds]

I'm not saying I think it's a hedge!

 

Sorry,

Is my recollection correct? you can't TPO a hedge? If so then the thread is valid and we can discuss at to if it is a hedge or a linear tree feature and when one becomes another?

[Stephen Blair]

I never new hedges were not protected by a TPO!

What about in a conservation area?

 

Personally I'd call that a screen of trees but my knowledge is limited as you can see by my first line on this post!

[Dorset Treeman]

I would love clarification on this. Recently had leylandii in an area TPO. Was historically managed as a hedge but not for about 15 years. Sent picture to the tree officer and he said it's a hedge and exempt from the TPO!

 

I was pleased I didn't need an application but also wanted a definitive answer for when this exemption applies.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Sorry,

Is my recollection correct? you can't TPO a hedge? If so then the thread is valid and we can discuss at to if it is a hedge or a linear tree feature and when one becomes another?

 

Just from memory (and subject to a book check later) I think, where appropriate, it is possible to protect a tree or group of trees within a hedgerow.

 

Wether the picture in the first post depict a hedge (boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs) or, so far as I can see, a linear tree feature is perhaps going to be a matter of judgement.

 

Could you offer a bit of background info Ben?

 

Is it just an academic question or is that an actual hedge / line of trees you might be involved with?

Is it being classified by someone (LA, homeowner, neighbour) as a hedge rather than a row of trees?

Is the definition of hedge / not a hedge important to what may or may not happen next?

 

The pic below, by any definition, must be a row of trees rather than a hedge. But it is (group) TPO'd and it is a linear boundary feature. How big does a hedge have to be before it becomes a tree? There might be some merit in the earlier post which referred to frequency of trimming? Will read some books and see if it gives any pointers.

[benedmonds]

Just from memory (and subject to a book check later) I think, where appropriate, it is possible to protect a tree or group of trees within a hedgerow.

 

Wether the picture in the first post depict a hedge (boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs) or, so far as I can see, a linear tree feature is perhaps going to be a matter of judgement.

 

Could you offer a bit of background info Ben?

 

Is it just an academic question or is that an actual hedge / line of trees you might be involved with?

.

 

It is a hedge/group of trees I am dealing with, protected by a TPO. I started the thread for discussion as it made me think.. The client called it a hedge and some others would call it a hedge and so should they have been TPO'd?

The outcome of the discussion makes no difference to my actions but makes an interesting discussion.

[Dean O]

I always consider a hedge to be 'clothed' in foliage bearing branches to roughly ground level. - I appreciate that this isn't always the case, but generally the intention, at least to begin with.

 

low levels of, or no management could allow trees planted as a hedge to become a linear tree feature with time.

 

I would say a hedge is a hedge - not only if planted with the intentions of hedgery, but that it is treated as a hedge - trimmed/managed on a cyclical basis

 

perhaps in the way that a pollard is a pollard if it is treated as one - differentiating it from an infrequently topped tree in some way.

 

 

I would perhaps like to see some hedges tpo'd - where they are notable for some reason (cant think of an example of the top of my head) - but having to apply for trimming my garden privet hedge twice a year would be a royal PITA