Homeowners are being warned not to make a common gardening mistake which could land them with a £20,000 fine. Experts have issued the warning as more people head out into their gardens this spring.

They say that many homeowners do not realise that trees in their gardens are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). 

Experts from My Home Improvements say that gardeners face a fine of up to £20,000 if they cut down, damage or destroy a protected tree without permission from their local council.

A TPO is used by local planning authorities to protect a specific tree or group of trees from deliberate damage. The order can be placed on any tree, including hedgerow trees but not hedgerows themselves.

It can also apply to woodland, although this is less common. Anyone who wants to carry out maintenance work on a protected tree should get permission from their local council first.

The Woodland Trust said: "Failure to obtain permission before carrying out work on a protected tree can result in prosecution, with fines of up to £20,000 in a magistrates’ court. Serious cases may be taken to trial in the crown court and offenders could face an unlimited fine if convicted."