If that was the cause, then you probably should have left a sign nearby on a place you have perms to that details why you can't remove the leaves. Aside from that, there is not much else you can do.
I cut the tree afront me, which was the very first one before the wilds. Somehow, the first three leaves were protected. /modreq never came to mind. I'm not holding a great repugnance for the ban... It's just... "Ain't that a kick in the head?"