I came home to find tree chopped down in my garden – police are involved after my neighbour took drastic action
A WOMAN has revealed how strangers chopped down a beautiful historic willow tree in her front garden without her permission.
Consultant psychotherapist Aisha Ali, 50, said she was “profoundly heartbroken and outraged” by the felling, which took place while she was away from her Norfolk home on July 2.
The tree, which had stood for more than 100 years, was allegedly destroyed by men who arrived with a flatbed truck and earthmover and trespassed on Ms Ali’s property.
The men were said to have left ths site at Walpole Highway, near King’s Lynn, after a neighbour told them Ms Ali was calling the police, the Eastern Daily Press reports.
It is claimed that the men initially claimed they were from a nearby farm before saying they had permission from Ms Ali’s parents, who have been dead for 10 years.
They are also believed to have said they were working for “highway management” and were concerned about protecting valuable farm equipment from harm.
One local said: “I’ve lived here 30 years and it’s never caused a problem.”
After the felling, Ms Ali said: “I am profoundly heartbroken and outraged by the mindless destruction of the willow tree on my property.
“This majestic tree, which had stood for over a century, was not just a part of my landscape but a living testament to local history and natural heritage.”
Registration numbers allegedly belonging to vehicles involved have been sent to police.
A Norfolk Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage in Walpole Highway.
“An unknown person is believed to have cut down a tree at a property on West Drove South during the day on Tuesday 2 July 2024 between 1-2pm.
“If anyone has any information please contact us quoting crime reference 36/46190/24.”
In May this year, The Sun reported how an OAP vowed to never chop down his 30ft tree – even though the helmet-shaped greenery has been slammed by people who live nearby.
Peter Davis, 72, said his massive cedar dubbed ‘The Big Fella’ had been the talking point of the Norfolk town for decades.
And while many love it – and tourists stop to take pictures – some think it’s an eyesore.
That’s because the tree in Wymondham has been chopped so vehicles driving by don’t hit it – and it now looks like a massive helmet.
Peter, a former company director, has previously said: ”The tree has become part of the local landscape – everybody knows about it – especially bus drivers who have to avoid it. But no-one has ever complained.
“I am quite happy to consider the views of the neighbours – but there have been no complaints so the tree didn’t cause a nuisance – so it is going to remain.
Is it a crime to chop down trees?
If you own your home, you do not need permission to fell a tree that is solely within your garden.
However, this does not apply if it is subject to a Tree Preservation Order or in a Conservation Area.
It is illegal to fell a tree if it will affect breeding birds.
If you rent your home, you have to get the landlord’s permission first.
Any damage or injury caused to a neighbour or their property from tree works or felling is your liability, according to the Woodland Trust.
If the trunk is in your garden, neighbours have a right to cut overhanging branches but they remain your property.
When a tree has to be felled outside of a private garden, you may need a felling licence.
If the tree, or trees, amount to five cubic metres of timber by volume, it is usually an offence to fell without one.
The relevant government department will discuss conditions with you before issuing a licence.
It is best to seek advice from your local council or the relevant government department before undertaking works to a tree.
These include the Forestry Commission (England), Scottish Forestry, Natural Resources Wales, and Northern Ireland Forest Service.
The relevant government department will discuss conditions before issuing a licence.
These typically concern replanting the area and maintaining the trees.
Licences for thinning woodland do not have a restocking condition.
“If people were upset it might be different – and I wouldn’t want to fall out with my neighbours. But as things stand, most people seem to enjoy it- and children in particular love it.
“Some critics say it blocks out the light – but it’s not an eyesore. The tree gets a haircut when it needs one which is about once a year and the tree surgeon has to use a cherry-picker to get up to the top.
“We have got really attached to the tree over the years. I have always loved it and to have it in our garden is great – it’s become a local landmark.
“I never get tired of it – I see it every day just like lots of other people do. It’s certainly not an eyesore. There was a single complaint once from a former neighbour about cutting out the light.
“But the people who have just bought the house which it over-hangs seem happy enough – it’s not as if the tree comes a surprise.
“Neighbours and locals are happy with it – and so am I – why would I want to chop it down?”