OVERLY zealous tree surgeons have been slapped with a large fine after cutting off the branches of a protected tree.

In June 2017 Epping Forest District Council tree and landscape officers were notified of work that had been carried out to the branches of wo oak trees on land adjacent to Tudor Oak in Abridge.

Although permission had been granted for limited work to be carried out on the tree, when they arrived they discovered much more wood had been chopped off than expected.

The deep cuts ultimately caused serious damage to both trees and increases the risk of decay, in action that would not have been approved by the council.

Further investigation revealed permitted work had been carried out to the trees in May 2017 by council contractors, who had told William Wright that the trees were the subject of a Tree Preservation Order.

When interviewed under caution both confirmed Wright had employed James Swift had carried out unauthorized work without checking whether the trees were protected.

On February 8, 2018 at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court, Wright, of Tudor Oak, 9a London Road, Abridge, Essex and Swift, of Highfield Road, Collier Row, Romford, Essex were each found guilty of causing or permitting works to two oak trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order without the authorisation of Epping Forest District Council.

Having attended court although leaving before the hearing, the Magistrates accepted that Wright had intended to plead guilty and he was fined £440 for each tree and ordered that he pay a contribution towards the Council’s prosecution costs of £600.

Swift was fined £660 for each tree and ordered to pay a contribution towards the Council’s prosecution costs of £600.