Teeside Magistrates Court today (22 May)  fined a Stockton man £6,000 plus £550 in costs for damage to six trees in Thornaby, all of which are covered by Tree Preservation Orders.
In a case brought by Stockton Council, Mr Peter Scott, trading as Arbor Tree Surgeon, of Hunwick Walk, Stockton-on-Tees pleaded guilty to six offences under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act.
Mr Scott had carried out the work to one willow, one ash, one beech and three chestnut trees last September, on behalf of the householder of a neighbouring property.  The council had given prior consent for three of the trees to be pruned, but the work carried out to all six trees had exceeded this to such an extent that all six had suffered permanent damage. 
The permission to prune the trees had allowed three metres to be removed, but the tree surgeon had taken approximately seven or eight metres off.  On some, long stubs were left, while other trees had been left with greatly reduced form and aesthetic value.
In a statement, the council’s arboricultural officer gave evidence that the reduction in the trees’ crown canopies had left permanent damage and is likely to shorten their lifespan considerably, increasing the risk of infection or disease.
Mr Scott said he had been a tree surgeon for several years and was aware of Orders protecting three of the trees.  He said he should have checked and made enquiries to see if the others had Orders upon them.
Jamie McCann, Head of Stockton Council’s Direct Services, said:  'Trees are an important part of our  natural environment and Preservation Orders exist to make sure they do not suffer unnecessary damage.
'It is very important for people to check what restrictions there may be on pruning or cutting down any trees.  If there is any doubt, the Council’s arboricultural service will be pleased to help with advice on what to do.
'However, where we find people choose to go ahead regardless, we will not hesitate to take whatever action we feel appropriate to reflect the importance.'
A separate case involving the resident who commissioned the work is proceeding.