Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO). It is illegal to cut down, top, lop, uproot, damage, destroy or remove any part of a tree protected by a TPO without the written consent of the council. If you wish to do any works to a protected tree you must apply for permission.

Trees in Conservation Areas also have legal protection. We must be notified of the intended works and we then have the opportunity to consider whether it is appropriate to protect the tree by serving a Tree Preservation Order. If we have not responded within 6 weeks the works can go ahead. If the tree measures less than 75mm diameter at 1.5m above ground level the tree is not protected and we do not need to be notified.

Further information about tree protection.