We have specific powers to protect trees by making tree preservation orders (TPOs) to make sure that important trees are not lost or damaged needlessly. These special provisions also apply to trees within our designated conservation areas.
A tree preservation order can cover anything from a single tree to a woodland. All types of trees, including hedgerow trees, can be protected by a TPO. However this does not include hedges, bushes or shrubs.
Find out if a tree has a TPO
If a tree is protected by a TPO you require consent before it may be felled or pruned.
To find out whether a tree is has a TPO you should contact our Planning Department
Work being carried out on a protected tree
If you deliberately ignore a tree preservation order and carry out unauthorised work on a tree you can be fined up to £2,500.
If you deliberately destroy a tree, or damage it in a manner likely to destroy it, you could be fined up to £20,000 if convicted in the magistrate’s court. In serious cases a person may be committed for trial to the Crown Court and be liable on conviction to an unlimited fine.
More information
Form more information on tree preservation orders download the leaflet 'Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures' available in 'Downloads'.
