UK homeowners with oak trees in their gardens could face £20,000 penalties, an expert has warned. It comes as one gardener believed it was just an "ordinary tree" he was cutting back in his garden.

That was until Martin Fielding from Stockport received correspondence from the council. The local authority hit the property owner with a bill due to a regulation that could be seen as being very unclear, reports Birmingham Live.

Specialists at My Home Improvements are cautioning that many people are unaware that trees in residential gardens may be safeguarded by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

"It was blocking the light in the conservatory and leaning over the fence," Martyn explained. "So I gave it a proper cut. I didn't even know such a thing existed. I thought trees in your own garden were your responsibility. I was shocked to learn I could be fined thousands."

"The trouble is, most homeowners have no idea their tree is protected," says Sophie Willoughby, a gardening expert who was contacted by My Home Improvements.

"It's easy to think you're just doing routine garden work, but one snip too many and you could face a hefty fine," Sophie explains. "Councils take it very seriously and so they should, because mature trees are crucial for wildlife and air quality."

To prevent penalties, always verify with local authorities for approval, especially for large trees. A representative from My Home Improvements advised: "Before you pick up the saw or shears, take a moment to check your tree isn't protected. Councils don't issue TPOs lightly and breaching one can land you in legal trouble.

"Whether you're trimming, pruning or removing, always ask first, as it's a simple step that could save you £20,000 and a trip to court."

The Woodland Trust clarified: "If you own your home, you don't need permission to fell a tree that's solely within your garden unless it's subject to a Tree Preservation Order" or "in a Conservation Area."

"Any injury or damage caused to a neighbour or their property from tree works or felling is your liability, for example if the tree falls in an unexpected direction onto a shed," they continued.

They also suggested: "If a tree you know and love is at risk, ask the council to put an emergency TPO on it. This prevents the tree being chopped down or tampered with while the council investigates further."