Tree Protection Bill - Call for Evidence

Clause 5 introduces section 125A, creating a new duty for councils to actively monitor trees planted as replacements under section 125. For five years after planting, councils must carry out annual inspections—either through site visits or by reviewing evidence provided by the landowner—to identify trees needing extra care or further replacement and to inform the landowner of required actions. When remedial work is needed, the council must notify both the landowner and, where known, the person responsible for the original TPO breach. That person is required to carry out the remedial action unless the landowner chooses to do so; if they fail to act within the specified period, the landowner must complete the work and may recover reasonable costs from the person responsible for the breach.