Protected Trees and High Hedges

Some trees are important features in the landscape and can be given legal protection by inclusion on the List of Protected Trees. This is designed to protect the amenity value of the tree or trees and to prevent them being damaged or removed. Only trees with high public amenity value are protected in this way in recognition of their role in shaping the character and appearance of the Island and in making urban areas healthier places for working, living and playing.

Trees can also be protected from damage or destruction by planning conditions, which can be used to ensure that existing trees are retained or new ones planted when development takes place.

Click on All About Protected Trees to get information about the List of Protected Trees, planning conditions which protect trees, the designation process and answers to some frequently asked questions, including how to make an application to remove a protected tree or to carry out works to a protected tree.

 
Just as the right hedge can be an ideal garden boundary, the wrong hedge may bring problems. Hedges that are not suitable for their location or that are not properly maintained can cause difficulties for neighbouring property. The commonest concern about high hedges is the perceived reduction in daylight and sunlight to neighbour’s homes and gardens.  People affected by high hedges can make a complaint about high hedges to see if they are unreasonably high.