Protected trees

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What is a protected tree

Trees are protected either by having a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or if the trees are within a Conservation Area.

Detailed information about legislation for Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas can be found on the gov.uk website.

Check if a tree is protected

Check the TPO and conservation area map

Check the TPO and conservation area map

If you can't use our map

You can ask us to check if tree(s) are protected at an address. This process may take up to 5 business days. 

You will be asked to provide:

  • location details
  • an address with a postcode
  • a picture of the tree

Ask us to check if a tree is protected

Apply to work on a protected tree

It is a criminal offence to carry out work on a protected tree without the necessary permission:

  • you will need to apply for permission for works to trees protected by a tree preservation order which can take up to 8 weeks.
  • you will need to give us written notice 6 weeks ahead of work on trees in Conservation Areas.
  • you can apply for a 5 day notice exemption if a protected tree is causing immediate danger to life or property

Tree works: trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOs

This application is for work to a protected tree that is not urgent.

  1. Check our TPO and conservation area map - If the tree is subject to a TPO or within a conservation area, you should:
    • Note the TPO number, and
    • Take a screenshot of the TPO and/or conservation area on the map
       
  2. Complete an application for 'Tree works: trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOs' on the Planning Portal

Use the information gathered in step 1 where relevant in your application.

Apply for Tree works: trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOs

5 day notice of exempt works to trees

If a protected tree is causing immediate danger to life or property, you can apply for a 5 day notice exemption to the normal process.

In this form you'll need to provide:

  • the tree(s) defects
  • work you'll undertake to make the tree(s) safe
  • 3 photographs of the tree(s) showing the areas of concern

Apply for a 5 day notice

Subsidence due to a tree

If you think your property has suffered subsidence damage you should contact your home insurance company first. They will find out the cause of the movement and collect the required evidence.

This evidence is required to support any tree work application to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

These investigations can take a long time, particularly if engineers believe that the tree is the cause of the reported damage.