Dead or dangerous protected trees
If you want to remove a protected tree or a tree in a Conservation Area, you need to ask us for permission.
However, you may be allowed to remove a dead or dangerous branch, or a whole tree, but only if there is an immediate risk of serious harm.
You must not remove a tree if:
- it is allegedly diseased or dying
- the danger presented is not immediate (within the next five days based on health and safety reasons)
If a tree presents an immediate risk and work is urgent, (except in an emergency) you must give us written notice as soon as possible. This is called a Five Day Dead or Dangerous Tree Notification.
If you need to carry out work in an emergency, due to an immediate risk of harm to people or property, you, as the owner of the tree, must get sufficient evidence. This could be photos or professional advice.
You should contact a qualified arborist to carry out the works, and they must be limited to only removing the immediate risk.
In these circumstances, you should give as much notice as possible in writing, after you discovered the danger. However, these circumstances are very rare.
You need to email planning.trees@chelmsford.gov.uk, and include:
- the location of the tree (address, description and a map indicating location)
- description of the condition why the tree is dead or dangerous
- photos of the tree or dangerous limb
We may need proof of the condition of the tree, such as reports, advice, guidance and/or written opinion from a qualified arboricultural specialist.
Following your email, we will then contact you. You must not carry out any works to the tree until you have heard from us (unless in an emergency).
You should only carry out the work needed to remove the immediate risk, and nothing more. You should contact a professional tree surgeon to do the work, as it is not a service we offer.
If you have felled a tree under a five-day dead or dangerous notification, you are legally obliged to replace it, unless covered by woodland classification.
The replacement tree needs to be the appropriate size and species and will automatically be protected. You will need to supply the details of the replacement planting.
You can find further guidance on dangerous trees from GOV.UK.