Legal Q - Tree cutting

[BliarOut]

A friend of mine has a large tree outside her house. Dead branches were falling off, so she had it professionally trimmed. Unfortunately, the council took exception and have chased her up on the matter. She has been interviewed and the outcome is that she didn't damage the tree, but damaged the aesthetics of the area. The improved health of the tree is backed up by a report from a top arborculturalist. Had she asked the council first, they would have allowed it to be trimmed.

However, this took place about six months ago and she was interviewed about four months back. She was told after the interview that she would be reported (Verbal NOIP?)

In the meantime, the tree has nearly grown back and soon it will be looking better than the other trees down the road as the foliage is rampant, as predicted.

My advice thus far has been to lay low and let the tree grow, after all, the longer it takes to bring a case, the better the tree will look.

So, the question, is there a time limit to lay papers if they are to prosecute, and if so, what is it?

[BliarOut]

Thanks DvD, in this case, it's too late as it's already been lopped so the damage, which isn't actually damage if you see what I mean, has already been done.

It's a nice tree on a tree lined avenue which overhangs her drive. Unfortunately she didn't realise she needed permission to lop it The tree is now very healthy with new branches that aren't falling on to her car or passers by!

As they have formally interviewed her, is there a time limit to place it in front of the court? Fingers crossed it's six months, as it's almost that long and she's not heard any more.

[BliarOut]

Thanks DVD, I am also thinking that they may not want to prosecute. Tree surgeon has already said the tree's health has been improved by her actions. It may be a case of needing to be seen to take action if they had a complaint.

I'll advise her to keep quiet for eight months and then enquire if they are taking action