Trees, forests and hedges - some frequently asked questions

Author: Angus Evans, Anna Brand, Alan Rehfisch, Sarah Harvie-Clark

PDF Published: Thursday 05 Oct 2023 (SB 23-38)

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Overview
Report
- Summary
- Trees, hedges and forestry
- Ownership of land and boundaries to property
- What steps can be taken to resolve tree disputes? Informal and formal steps
- What areas of law are of importance in resolving disputes?
- What powers do local authorities have?
  - Trees which are dangerous to public roads/footpaths - Roads (Scotland) Act 1984
  - High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013
  - Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 - amenity notices
  - Statutory nuisance
- What are tree preservation orders (TPOs)?
- What are the rules in conservation areas?
- What are the rules on planning and trees?
- What civil law remedies exist?
  - Encroachment - tree roots and branches
  - Common law of nuisance
  - Title deeds and title conditions
  - Dangerous trees - duty of care
  - Trees blocking light
- What are the rules on planting and felling trees?
  - Who is responsible for forestry?
  - Is planning permission required for forestry work?
  - Planting trees
    
    Environmental Impact Assessment
    
    Grant funding
  - Felling trees
    
    Getting permission to fell trees
    
    Being required to fell a tree
  - Finding information
- What are the rules on trees and wildlife?
- What other sources of information exist?
- Annexe
Sources

Image: Tree disputes - possible steps to follow

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Last Updated: 5/12 8:10pm

Image: Tree disputes - possible steps to follow

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