Managing your trees, including protected trees

Many trees are protected by law, most commonly by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). You need written permission from us before you can carry out any work on any protected tree. To apply to carry out work on a protected tree, go to the Planning Portal link adjacent.

If you need to:

Find out if a tree is protected
Request information about a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
Request a copy of a TPO.

Please complete our enquiry form, include the TPO number if you have it, and we will email you a copy. There is no charge for this service.

If you work on a protected tree without permission we may take a range of enforcement actions including prosecution, with fines of up to £20,000.

You can apply to do work on a tree on land that you do not own, but work cannot be carried out without the landowner’s consent for access to their land. You will have to pay for all works yourself.

Guidance and facts

Here is some short guidance on Tree Preservation Orders

Also see the guidance on Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas from GOV.UK.

Finding a tree surgeon or other arboricultural contractor

If you need to find an approved contractor, you can use this useful search facility from The Arboricultural Association.

Apply for permission to work on a protected tree

You will need to submit your application on line using the planning portal.

Use the Planning Application option. Give it a title such as TPO and complete your address. Planning Application type is at the bottom of the list.

For help using the portal please view this user guide.

Please be aware conditions may be attached to your proposed works.

Appeal a refused request

If we refuse your request we'll tell you how you can appeal to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government . If they allow your appeal they may vary our decision after appointing an independent expert to inspect the tree.