Tree Preservation Orders

Local Councils are able to make Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in order to protect trees and woodlands, usually on the grounds that they make an important contribution to the local landscape, but perhaps because of some other special quality, such as rarity or historic significance. TPO's are usually made when it is felt in the public interest to ensure that the trees or woodlands are not felled or pruned inappropriately. The TPO does not prevent work from being carried out, but requires that the consent of the Local Council be obtained beforehand.

Anyone wishing to carry out works to trees covered by a TPO can click here to access the 1app forms.

Further information

Tree Preservation Orders - Communities and Local Government

This link provides guidance and information to tree owners on the protection of trees and how to get consent from their local authority to fell or prune a protected tree.

Exemptions

There are certain exemptions from the requirement to obtain consent. Work to a tree, or part of a tree, which is dead, dying or dangerous does not require the Council's permission. However, there may be other considerations - such as whether bats use the tree as a roosting site - and if so the work may be restricted by other regulations.

Anybody proposing to carry out work that they consider does not require the Council's permission should first notify the Council and, except in an emergency, allow five working days for the Council to satisfy itself that the work is exempt.

If the Council agrees that the work does not require an application for consent this does not mean that it is stating that no other regulations apply. For example, Natural England must be consulted if the tree is known to support a bat roost.