A query from a worried lady today regarding cutting down a dangerous-looking tree over her drive. With a local man killed by a falling tree last night one can understand her concern.
Does she need a licence to cut it down if it does not have a TPO (tree preservation order). What are the situations in which she would not need a licence? (ie Exemptions)
In answer the guidelines from the Forestry Commission are helpful and clear, so I reproduce them here:
Exemptions

Felling Licence exemptions can be grouped in the following way:

Location
Type of tree work
Volume and diameter
Other permissions
Legal and statutory requirements

Use the information below to check whether a licence is required.
Please contact the Forestry Commission before felling to check that
a licence is not necessary.
To find out the address of your nearest Forestry Commission office click here.

Exemptions
Location	You do not need a licence to fell trees in: a garden an orchard a churchyard or a designated open space (Commons Act 1899)
Type of Tree Work	You do not need a licence to carry out: lopping topping pruning pollarding
Volume and Diameter	You do not need a licence: To fell less than 5 cubic metres in a calendar quarter (Please note that you cannot sell more than 2 cubic metres in a calendar quarter) For trees that have the following diameters when measured 1.3 metres from the ground 8 cm or less 10 cm or less for thinnings 15cm or less for cutting coppice
Other Permissions	You do not need a licence if you have a current permission under: An approved Dedication Scheme plan Planning permission (granted under the Town and Country Planning Act)
Legal and statutory requirements	You do not need a licence if you need to fell trees: that are dangerous or to prevent a nuisance to prevent the spread of a quarantine pest or disease in accordance with a notice served by a Forestry Commission Plant Health Officer to comply with an Act of Parliament to enable you to carry out work as a statutory undertaker