Tree Law Videos

A TPO-protected tree involved in a subsidence claim? Don't leave it until the end.

Where a protected tree is potentially implicated in property damage, the additional planning requirements need to be factored into the claim from the outset.

Any necessary tree works will require the appropriate consent, and that process takes time. Gathering the supporting evidence, identifying the relevant planning authority and progressing the TPO application early can help prevent avoidable delays later in the claim.

For insurers, loss adjusters, engineers, arboricultural professionals and solicitors, early consideration of a tree's protected status can make the entire claims process run more smoothly.

If you're dealing with a complex subsidence claim involving a TPO-protected tree, speak to the Tree Law team.

#treelaw #tpo #subsidence #propertyclaims #insurance

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You guys seem to love the legalese videos, so here's another one for you... 👀

Today's word: subrogation.

In a tree root subsidence claim, subrogation allows an insurer to step into the shoes of its insured and seek to recover money paid out on a claim from a liable third party.

So, where an insurer has paid to repair subsidence damage caused by a third party's tree, they may have a subrogated right to pursue recovery of those costs from the tree owner.

A complicated word for a concept that plays an important role in managing the cost of subsidence claims.

If you need specialist support with liability or subrogated recovery in a tree root subsidence claim, speak to the Tree Law team.

#treelaw #subrogation #subsidence #propertyclaims #insurance

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What are the three mistakes that can add thousands to the cost of a tree root subsidence claim?

The first is failing to investigate the drains. Before attributing movement to vegetation, leaking drains need to be considered, investigated and, where necessary, repaired.

The second is inadequate monitoring. Understanding the pattern of movement can be critical when determining causation and distinguishing between potential contributing factors.

The third - and often the most expensive - is poor communication.

Where a third-party tree owner is involved, early communication and early disclosure of supporting evidence can make a significant difference. It creates an opportunity to engage, reach a compromise and potentially resolve the cause of movement before costs escalate.

For insurers, loss adjusters and other professionals managing subsidence claims, getting these fundamentals right early can save considerable time and cost later.

If you need specialist legal support with a complex tree root subsidence claim, speak to the Tree Law team.

#treelaw #subsidence #propertyclaims #insurance #treeroots

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Would you remove this tree? 🌳

Removal might allow the property to stabilise and be repaired - but does that automatically make felling the right outcome?

Not necessarily.

The age and remaining life expectancy of the tree, its amenity value, ownership and the cost and practicality of alternative engineering solutions can all influence what constitutes a reasonable response.

For insurers, local authorities, arboricultural professionals and solicitors dealing with these cases, establishing causation is only part of the equation. The proportionality of the proposed solution matters too.

As with so many questions in tree law, the answer is: it depends.

What would you do?

#treelaw #subsidence #propertyclaims #arboriculture #insurance

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Another bit of legalese that sounds more complicated than it needs to be...

TPO stands for Tree Preservation Order.

A TPO provides legal protection to a tree considered to have sufficient amenity value by the local planning authority. That protection means consent will generally be required before carrying out works such as pruning, reducing or felling the tree.

For professionals involved in property, development, claims or tree management, establishing whether a TPO is in place should be an important early consideration before works are recommended or undertaken.

Fortunately, checking doesn't need to be complicated. Your local planning authority should be able to confirm whether a particular tree is protected.

Another piece of legalese... translated.

#treelaw #tpo #treepreservationorder #planninglaw #arboriculture

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The problem isn't just what we can see above ground. It's what's happening underneath it.

After a significant year for subsidence claims in 2025, 2026 has brought further challenges - leading some in the industry to describe it as a "double bubble" subsidence year.

For the insurance and claims sector, the implications are significant: reduced capacity, longer claim lifecycles and more properties requiring investigation and remediation.

And if dry conditions continue into 2027, the pressure across insurers, loss adjusters, engineers, arboricultural professionals and legal teams could intensify further.

For those working within the industry, the question is increasingly becoming not just how we manage today's caseload, but how prepared are we for another major subsidence year?

If your organisation is dealing with increasing volumes or complexity in tree-related subsidence claims, speak to the Tree Law team about how we can support you.

#treelaw #subsidence #propertyclaims #insurance #climaterisk

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Can a root barrier genuinely remove the need to fell a tree?

In tree root subsidence claims, root barriers are increasingly considered as an alternative mitigation strategy - and innovation in the technology continues to develop.

But their effectiveness isn't universal.

We've seen barriers successfully remove the influence of a tree, allowing the property to stabilise and, crucially, enabling the tree to remain.

We've also seen installations fail.

For insurers, solicitors, arboricultural professionals and others involved in these claims, the important question isn't simply whether root barriers work. It's whether they're appropriate and technically viable in the circumstances of the individual case.

As is so often the case in tree root subsidence - it depends.

#treelaw #subsidence #treeroots #arboriculture #propertyclaims

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Why is tree-related subsidence in London making headlines in the USA?

Bloomberg recently reported on the issue — a sign of just how significant the 2026 subsidence season has become.

With prolonged dry conditions increasing pressure on shrinkable soils, climate change is creating an increasingly challenging environment for insurers, loss adjusters, engineers, arboricultural professionals and solicitors dealing with subsidence claims.

What was once considered a relatively specialist UK property issue is now attracting international attention.

For professionals managing tree-related subsidence claims, this changing landscape makes early collaboration and specialist advice increasingly important.

If you're dealing with complex tree-related subsidence claims and need specialist legal input, speak to the Tree Law team.

#treelaw #subsidence #climatechange #propertyclaims #insurance

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Why can't lawyers just talk like this normally?

We're back with another round of turning complicated legal phrases into plain English.

Because understanding the law shouldn't require a law degree.

Which translation surprised you the most?

#treelaw #legalese #plainenglish #lawyer #uklaw

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The last one had us all in stitches...

We gave Phillip one line and one job... say it in as many different tones as possible.

Safe to say, some felt more genuine than others.

Which one's your favourite?

#treelaw #officelife #behindthescenes #workhumour #lawfirm

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Have you noticed Tree Preservation Order applications taking longer than usual?

You're not the only one.

It's something we've been hearing from more and more clients recently, and delays can be frustrating when you're waiting to carry out essential tree work.

In this video, Sarah explains why TPO applications may be taking longer and what it could mean if you're planning work on a protected tree.

#treelaw #tpo #treepreservationorder #treecare #uklaw

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Did the last one really need to be that complicated?

Somehow, lawyers have a talent for turning the simplest sentence into three paragraphs of legal jargon.

In this trend, Sarah takes everyday English and translates it into full legalese... because apparently, "keep it simple" isn't always in the job description.

#treelaw #legalese #lawyerlife #officelife #uklaw

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Ever wish lawyers came with subtitles?

You're not alone.

Legal jargon has a habit of making simple things sound... well, not so simple.

In this video, Sarah takes common legal phrases and translates them into plain English, proving that understanding the law doesn't have to mean learning a whole new language.

#treelaw #legalese #plainenglish #lawyer #uklaw

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Did you know trees can actually help cool our towns and cities?

One of the reasons is a process called evapotranspiration.

It might sound complicated, but it's one of the ways trees naturally reduce temperatures, helping to create cooler, more comfortable environments during hot weather.

In this video, Helen explains how it works and why trees are more important than ever as our summers continue to get warmer.

#treelaw #urbantrees #climatechange #treecare #nature

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Did you know that trees can be viewed differently depending on your situation? 🌳 For homeowners, they can sometimes feel like a liability - think about maintenance and property costs. But for local authorities, trees are valuable assets that help meet sustainability and beautification goals!

Let's recognize the diverse roles trees play in our communities. Understanding their impact can help us make better decisions for our environment! If you found this insight helpful, please share to spread the word! 💚🌿 #TreeTalk #SaveOurTrees

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Do you need permission to fell a tree?

In some situations, a felling licence may be required before any work can take place, and getting it wrong can have serious consequences.

In this video, Sarah explains what a felling licence is, when you might need one, and why it's always worth checking before picking up the chainsaw.

#treelaw #fellinglicence #treecare #propertyowners #uklaw

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How many can you get right?

Legal or illegal? We're back with part 2

Phillip's facing another round of tree law scenarios, but this time the questions are even trickier.

How many can you get right before the answers are revealed?

#treelaw #treelawyer #legalquiz #propertylaw #uklaw

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Is this how you'd act as well?

Fair to say the success has gone to his head.

We're not saying one viral reel changed him... but we're not not saying it either.

#treelaw #viralreel #officelife #behindthescenes #socialmedia

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The last one was unexpected 👀

We gave everyone a different question...

The only rule? Wrong answers only.

Some answers were brilliant. Others... not so much.

#treelaw #officelife #behindthescenes #workhumour #lawfirm

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Why is everyone suddenly talking about subsidence?

It's one of the hottest topics in tree law right now.

With prolonged dry weather and changing ground conditions, more homeowners are becoming concerned about cracks, movement and whether nearby trees could be the cause.

In this video, Sarah explains why subsidence is back in the spotlight, what homeowners should be aware of, and why it's important not to jump to conclusions.

#treelaw #subsidence #propertyowners #treeroots #uklaw

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Do you think he actually means it? 👀

We asked Torbian to say, "Tree Law are my favourite client" in as many different tones as possible...

Some sound convincing. Some sound... contractually obligated.

We'll let you decide which one you believe.

#treelaw #officelife #behindthescenes #socialmedia #workhumour

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