Where trees, people & property meet.

Tree Root Subsidence

Tree root subsidence can result in significant damage to buildings and often gives rise to complex disputes between property owners, neighbours, insurers and local authorities. Establishing whether a tree is responsible, and what should happen next, requires specialist expertise.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of tree-related subsidence claims. From investigating the cause of cracking and movement, to dealing with insurance disputes, neighbour disagreements and protected trees, we help clients navigate the legal and technical complexities of subsidence with confidence.

Our team combines specialist legal knowledge with a detailed understanding of arboriculture and subsidence investigations, enabling us to provide clear, practical advice and robust representation throughout the life of a claim.

Direct Root Damage

Tree roots can cause significant damage to walls, driveways, patios and other structures by exerting pressure as they grow. Disputes frequently arise where roots from neighbouring or highway trees cause damage, particularly where responsibility for repairs and future management is unclear.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of direct root damage claims and disputes. From establishing ownership and responsibility, to advising on common law rights, protected trees and remedial works, we provide clear, practical advice backed by specialist expertise in both tree law and arboriculture.

Our team regularly assists homeowners, landowners and local authorities in resolving disputes involving direct root damage, helping clients protect their property and secure practical, long-term solutions.

Fallen Trees

The failure of a tree or large branch can have devastating consequences, causing significant damage to property, disrupting public spaces and, in some cases, resulting in serious injury. When a tree fails, establishing why it happened, and who is responsible, is essential.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of tree failure and the resulting legal disputes. By combining specialist legal expertise with a detailed understanding of arboriculture, we are able to analyse the available evidence, assess liability and provide clear, practical advice.

Our team regularly assists homeowners, landowners, local authorities and insurers in matters involving fallen trees, helping clients navigate complex legal and technical issues with confidence.

Invasive Species

Invasive plant species such as Japanese knotweed and running bamboo can create significant problems for homeowners, landowners and developers. In addition to causing physical damage, the presence of invasive species can affect property values, delay transactions and give rise to disputes between neighbours.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of invasive species disputes. From allegations of encroachment and nuisance to issues arising during property sales and purchases, we provide clear, practical advice backed by specialist expertise in both property and tree law.

Our team regularly assists homeowners, landowners and professionals in resolving disputes involving Japanese knotweed, bamboo and other invasive plants, helping clients protect their interests and achieve practical, cost-effective outcomes.

Planning Issues

Trees can have a significant impact on the planning process, particularly where development proposals may affect protected trees or where existing trees constrain the use and development of land. Disputes can arise between applicants, neighbours and local planning authorities regarding the impact of proposed development and the adequacy of supporting arboricultural information.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of planning matters involving trees. From objecting to planning applications and challenging decisions, to appeals, complaints and judicial review proceedings, we provide clear, practical advice backed by specialist expertise in both planning and tree law.

Our team regularly assists homeowners, developers, local authorities and professionals in navigating the complexities of the planning system, helping clients protect their interests and achieve practical outcomes where trees and development intersect.

Insurance Issues

Most insurance claims are resolved without difficulty. However, disputes can arise when insurers disagree about the cause of damage, the scope of cover, or whether a policyholder has met their obligations under the policy.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of tree-related insurance disputes. From challenging declined claims to interpreting policy terms and pursuing complaints, we provide clear, practical advice backed by specialist expertise in both tree law and arboriculture.

Our team regularly represents clients in disputes with insurers and before the Financial Ombudsman Service, helping clients secure fair outcomes when insurance claims do not go to plan.

Tree Preservation Orders

Trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and those growing within Conservation Areas are subject to strict legal controls. Carrying out unauthorised works can result in enforcement action, prosecution and significant financial penalties, making it essential to understand your legal obligations before any work takes place.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of protected tree legislation. From making applications for consent and challenging refusals, to advising on enforcement action and disputes concerning ownership and responsibility, we provide clear, practical advice backed by specialist expertise in tree law.

Our team regularly assists homeowners, landowners, local authorities and professionals in navigating the complexities of tree protection legislation, helping clients achieve practical outcomes while ensuring that valuable trees are appropriately protected.

If you want to find out if a tree is protected and want to make an application to do work to a protected tree, check out our interactive map

From here you can check the status of a tree, make an application and request information about past applications.

Tree Contracts

Clear, well-drafted contracts are essential for anyone working in arboriculture, engineering, consultancy or insurance. Poorly drafted terms and conditions can expose businesses to unnecessary risk, lead to disputes with clients and insurers, and leave important issues such as liability and payment unclear.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of commercial contracts relating to the tree sector. From drafting new terms and conditions to reviewing, amending and strengthening existing agreements, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to the way your business operates.

Our team regularly assists consultants, contractors and expert witnesses in ensuring that their contractual arrangements are fit for purpose, helping clients manage risk, protect their businesses and avoid costly disputes.

Foresty & Felling Licences

Forestry law regulates the felling, management and protection of trees and woodland. Questions about licences, exemptions, restocking obligations and regulatory compliance can quickly become complex.

At Tree Law, we advise landowners, developers, businesses and woodland managers on every aspect of forestry law. From felling licence applications and Restocking Notices to investigations, enforcement action and tree disease, we provide clear, practical guidance.

Whether you are planning forestry work or have been contacted by the Forestry Commission or Natural Resources Wales, our specialist team can help you understand your obligations, manage risk and decide what to do next.

Tree Crime

Unauthorised works to trees, illegal felling and breaches of tree protection legislation can result in criminal investigations, prosecutions and significant penalties. Allegations of tree crime can have serious consequences for individuals, businesses and public authorities alike.

At Tree Law, we advise on all aspects of tree-related criminal matters. From representing individuals facing allegations of unlawful works to protected trees, to advising local authorities on enforcement and prosecution, we provide clear, practical advice backed by specialist expertise in both criminal and tree law.

Our team regularly assists defendants, prosecuting authorities and other professionals in matters involving tree crime, helping clients navigate complex legal and evidential issues and achieve fair, proportionate outcomes.

Tree Root Carbon Calculator

Balancing legal, commercial and environmental considerations can be challenging when resolving tree-related subsidence claims. Our Tree Root Carbon Calculator provides an estimated comparison of the carbon impact of different mitigation options, helping you make more informed decisions.

Developed for insurers, claims professionals and property specialists, the calculator compares estimated emissions from solutions such as tree removal and root barriers, supporting clearer, evidence-based discussions alongside legal and practical considerations.

Whether you are assessing a single claim or looking to support wider ESG objectives, the Tree Root Carbon Calculator provides valuable insights to help deliver more sustainable claims outcomes.