You’ve got a tired old line of trees along the back boundary, maybe in Wootton Bridge or out past Godshill, and you’d quite like the lot gone before the autumn gales. It sounds like a simple garden job. But the Forestry Commission has relaunched its felling licence service as Felling Licence Online, and it reminded everyone how strict the rules are, so it’s worth getting this one right.

The rule is this. You need a felling licence if you fell more than 5 cubic metres of timber in a calendar quarter. If you’re selling any of it, even as logs, that drops to 2 cubic metres. It applies to hedgerow trees as well as woodland. Garden trees are generally exempt, but that doesn’t mean you can do what you like with them, and people get caught out here more than anywhere.

Because the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) question is separate. Check with the council before you cut anything in a Conservation Area or a protected tree, and give six weeks’ notice where it applies. Pruning without consent can mean a fine, and replanting. A proper tree survey up front, looking at the species, condition and any included bark at the unions, shows what can be done and what can’t.

Often the answer isn’t felling at all. A crown reduction of around 20 to 30 per cent, a crown lift over the lane, or taking out deadwood can make a tree safe and keep it. Pollarding suits some species. Where a tree has to come down, arisings can be chipped, the stump ground out and the wood logged. Plan that into the job and the quantities become much clearer.

Arb Advice offers qualified arboricultural advice and practical garden services across the Isle of Wight, from Newport and Ryde to Cowes and Ventnor. If you’re not sure what you need consent for, have a look at arbadvice.co.uk/ and get in touch before the chainsaw comes out.