At its July sitting, Tynwald approved the introduction of a charge for the issuing of tree felling licences.  The charge of ?20 per licence will be in place from 1st August 2013.
 
Trees are protected on the Island under the Tree Preservation Act 1993 and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture administers the Act through its Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate. 
 
Administering around 1,000 applications per year takes considerable resources in inspecting trees and processing applications and it is agreed to introduce an administration charge to help to reduce the overall cost of managing the legislation.
 
The legislation is important in protecting the character of the Manx countryside and also significant trees in towns and villages across the Island.  Under the Act, the majority of trees are given protection from being cut down and penalties of up to ?20,000 may be applied for failing to comply with the Act.  Extra protection can be given by ‘Registering’ trees under the Act.  ‘Registered’ trees also require a licence before any work, such as trimming or pruning, can be carried out to them. Licences for work to Registered trees where felling is not required, would be exempt from the charge. 
 
Tree owners can check the Registration status of their trees by contacting the Department.
 
For further information, the Forestry Amenity and Lands Directorate can be contacted at its St. John’s Offices on telephone (01624) 801263.