Protected trees

Skip to:

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 Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas can be found on the gov.uk website.

Check if a tree is protected

Use our TPO and conservation area map

If a 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 

These details can then be used as part of your Trees works application in the Planning Portal.

Check the TPO and conservation area map

If you can't use our map

You can ask us to check if a tree is protected. This is a manual process that will be completed by a member of our team and may take up to 5 business days. 

You will be asked to provide:

  • area location details
  • an address with a postcode
  • a photograph of the tree 
     

Ask us to check if a tree is protected

If you want to carry out work on a protected tree

You will need our permission before you do any work to a protected tree. It is a criminal offence to carry out work on a protected tree without the necessary permission.

You will need to give us written notice 6 weeks ahead of work on trees in Conservation Areas.

Apply for permission and give notice for work on trees

  1. Check our  TPO and conservation area map - If a 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 the Tree works application for works to trees in conservation areas/subject to TPOs on the Planning Portal

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

There are guidance notes (PDF 193KB) to help you complete the form.

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.