🌳 What does legal compliance really mean for trees and green spaces?

🌳 What does legal compliance really mean for trees and green spaces?

When people talk about tree and grounds compliance, many assume there is one single “tree law” — but in reality, a business’s responsibilities fall across health & safety, occupiers’ liability, and environmental legislation, all creating a clear duty of care.

Key UK legislation businesses should be aware of includes:✔ Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – Protecting employees, visitors & the public✔ Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Identifying and managing foreseeable risks✔ Occupiers’ Liability Acts 1957 & 1984 – Responsibility for land and premises safety✔ Highways Act 1980 – Trees and vegetation affecting roads and footpaths✔ Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 – Ensuring works are carried out lawfully✔ Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (in serious cases)

👉 Businesses are not expected to remove all risk — but they are expected to take reasonable and proportionate steps, carry out inspections, act on hazards, and keep records to demonstrate due diligence.

Proactive inspections and planned green space management don’t just protect people — they help protect businesses legally, reputationally, and from an insurance perspective.

If you manage land, property, or commercial premises, it’s worth asking:Do you have clear evidence that your duty of care is being met?

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