Managing your trees, including protected trees

Many trees are protected by law, most commonly by tree preservation orders and in conservation areas. 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.

To find out if a tree is protected contact us with the location of the tree.  To request a copy of a TPO please email us the address or TPO number if you have it and we will email you a copy. 

There is no charge for this service. 

Please complete our enquiry form to request information about a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

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.

The facts

Here are all the facts 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.

High hedge complaints

If a high hedge is affecting your ability to enjoy your property there are several steps you need to take before the local authority can offer any help.  The government guidance Over the Garden Hedge outlines what you need to do.

If we do become involved we cannot mediate or negotiate for you. Our role in high hedge disputes is simply to look at whether the hedge is adversely affecting enjoyment of your property.

If it is, a formal notice may be issued to the hedge owner setting out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem, and when they must do it by. If they don’t, they could face a fine of up to £1,000.

There is a charge if we become involved of £250.

The national rules under which you can make a complaint are strict, and so we advise that you read the guidance provided.

If you have followed the government guidance and need us to get involved, please submit an enquiry.