TREE PRESERVATION ORDER APPLICATIONS
What is a TPO?
Tree Preservation Orders – or TPOs for short – are put in place by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interest of amenity. It prohibits the cutting down, reducing, damage or destruction of the tree, without gaining consent from the local planning authority first. This is the same for trees that are situated in a Conservation area.
I want to have work done on my tree but it is subject to a TPO/within a Conservation Area. What can I do?
If your tree has a TPO or in a Conservation Area, you can either contact your local authority to find out how to make an application yourself, or we can do it for you. This is something we do very regularly and have had many applications accepted for us to conducted work on protected trees. Once the application has been sent, it usually takes between 6-8 weeks for a response from the council. It is always best to use a professional, qualified contractor to take on the work if granted, as they are taken very seriously and there are fines of up to £20,000 and a criminal record if the order is not complied with.
The council has the right to refuse work to these trees if deemed unnecessary or if there are lots of objections. We will advise as best as possible whether we believe the work is excessive and work with you on the application to get the best possible outcome for you and your trees.
What are my responsibilities as a tree owner?
As the tree owner, you are responsible for ensuring the tree is not subject to a TPO/within a conservation area before instructing any work to it. You can find out if your tree has a TPO or in a conservation area by contacting your council or looking online at their website. Most councils now have an interactive map that you can apply layers to reveal TPOs or Conservation areas. If you are unsure, we can help you find out.
What is a TPO?
Tree Preservation Orders – or TPOs for short – are put in place by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interest of amenity. It prohibits the cutting down, reducing, damage or destruction of the tree, without gaining consent from the local planning authority first. This is the same for trees that are situated in a Conservation area.
I want to have work done on my tree but it is subject to a TPO/within a Conservation Area. What can I do?
If your tree has a TPO or in a Conservation Area, you can either contact your local authority to find out how to make an application yourself, or we can do it for you. This is something we do very regularly and have had many applications accepted for us to conducted work on protected trees. Once the application has been sent, it usually takes between 6-8 weeks for a response from the council. It is always best to use a professional, qualified contractor to take on the work if granted, as they are taken very seriously and there are fines of up to £20,000 and a criminal record if the order is not complied with.
The council has the right to refuse work to these trees if deemed unnecessary or if there are lots of objections. We will advise as best as possible whether we believe the work is excessive and work with you on the application to get the best possible outcome for you and your trees.
What are my responsibilities as a tree owner?
As the tree owner, you are responsible for ensuring the tree is not subject to a TPO/within a conservation area before instructing any work to it. You can find out if your tree has a TPO or in a conservation area by contacting your council or looking online at their website. Most councils now have an interactive map that you can apply layers to reveal TPOs or Conservation areas. If you are unsure, we can help you find out.