Tree preservation orders

How to preserve a tree

What is a Tree preservation order (TPO)?

We have specific powers to protect trees by making tree preservation orders to make sure that important trees are not lost or damaged needlessly. These special provisions also apply to trees within our designated conservation areas.

What is covered by a TPO?

A tree preservation order can cover anything from a single tree to woodland. All types of trees, including hedgerow trees, can be protected by a TPO. However this does not include hedges, bushes or shrubs.

How to apply for a TPO

To have a tree assessed to see if it warrants a TPO status, please complete the TPO evaluation form.

The TPO officer will arrange a site visit to conduct a ground assessment and determine if the tree should be preserved. The TPO officer will inform you of their decision within 28 days of the acknowledgement of receiving the evaluation request.

The decision of the TPO officer is not appealable should a TPO not be made, and any further requests will not be conducted within a year of the site visit.

Where are the tree preservation orders

Find out if a tree has a TPO

If a tree is protected by a TPO or within a conservation area you will require consent before it may be felled or pruned.

An up to date online register of TPO’s and conservation areas can be found on Where I Live.

Please note that Where I Live should not be used to define property boundaries.

Further information about TPOs can be found in this document.

For copies of TPOs please email devcontrol@wakefield.gov.uk

Apply for authorised works to a TPO

To apply to carry out works on a TPO tree please complete the Tree Works form and send to devcontrol@wakefield.gov.uk

What to do if unauthorised works to a TPO are taking place

You can report a case of unauthorised works to a TPO tree by emailing devcontrol@wakefield.gov.uk Please include the TPO reference number if available.

Penalties

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.​