If you're thinking about cutting down one of the trees in your garden, you should consult an arborist before you take out the chainsaw. Read on to find out why.

You could end up incurring a hefty fine if you accidentally cut down a native tree

In some states, there are very strict rules regarding the removal of native trees. In these states, members of the public are not usually allowed to cut down native trees (even if these trees are located on their private properties) without first seeking and obtaining the permission of their local council. Rules of this kind are designed to prevent native tree species from becoming extinct.

As such, if you have a native tree in your garden and you choose to cut it down without applying to your council for permission, you could end up incurring a very large fine if anyone reports you to the local authorities. If you know (or suspect) that the tree that you want to cut down is a native tree, you should contact one of your local arborists and have them examine it.

The arborist will be able to tell you if it is a native tree. If it is and you don't want to go through the laborious process of applying for permission to remove it, the arborist may be able to offer you an alternative solution. For example, if you want the tree removed because some of its branches are hanging over your patio area and allowing twigs, leaves and bird droppings to land on your outdoor furniture, your arborist may offer to trim these particular branches instead of cutting down the entire tree.

You could harm the flowers in your garden

If you are a gardening enthusiast and have many beautiful plants and flowers in your garden, then it is definitely worth getting in touch with an arborist before removing any trees from your outdoor space. A lot of flowers, including gardenias and hydrangeas, thrive in shady conditions. If these flowers are planted underneath your tree and you choose to cut down that tree, the flowers may begin to wither and die as a result of too much exposure to the sunlight.

In this situation, your arborist may again recommend trimming or pruning the tree so that it is less visually and physically intrusive while still providing the shade-loving flowers in your garden with the protection from the sun that they require.