Tree felling and pruning dominate the latest list of planning applications submitted to Test Valley Borough Council.  

All parties involved in the felling of trees, the owner, agent and timber merchant or contractor, must ensure that a licence has been issued before any felling is carried out, unless an exemption applies. 

Almost two dozen trees have been singled out for felling, canopy reduction or to be 'dismantled'. They include Maples, Horse Chestnuts, Silver Birtch, Ash, Pine, Sycamore and Conifer varieties. 

Cutting down, uprooting or wilfully destroying a tree that is subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), in a conservation area, or is over five cubic metres in volume is an offence if permission has not been granted.

It's also an offence to top, lop or wilfully damage a tree in a way that is likely to permanently damage or destroy it.

Those who damage or carry out work on a tree without permission may be fined up to £20,000.

 To learn about the right way to fell your trees visit the governments Tree Felling website.