Protected Trees

We can protect important trees with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Trees in conservation areas receive the same protection. It is a criminal offence to work on, damage or destroy any tree protected in this way without first getting our consent.

Please email us to:

• find out whether a tree is protected;
• request that we issue a TPO for a tree; or
• find out whether we have granted permission for tree works.

Work on protected trees

You must get our permission before doing anything to a protected tree. We recommend that you use a trained tree surgeon to carry out the work.

We will inspect the tree and give you our decision within eight weeks of receiving your application.

New TPOs

If there is a particular tree or group of trees that contribute positively to your area, you can apply to have them protected by a TPO. Please email or write to us.

First, we will inspect the tree and check that it is healthy. Then, if we decide to make a TPO, we will write to everyone with a direct interest in the tree. Usually, that will be the owners and occupiers of the land on which the tree stands, and those of any adjacent land, especially if the tree overhangs a boundary.

The people we have written to have 28 days to tell us whether they support or object to the TPO. We will consider everyone's comments before we make a final decision.