Glenkens Tree Surgeons

Tree Work and Permissions

 

 

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

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TPOs are administered by Local Planning Authorities and are made to protect trees that bring significant amenity benefit to the local area. This protection is particularly important where trees are under threat.

All types of tree, but not hedges, bushes or shrubs can be protected, and a TPO can protect anything from a single tree to all trees within a defined area or woodland. Any species can be protected, but no species is automatically protected by a tree preservation order.

A TPO is a written order, which in general, makes it a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, willfully damage or willfully destroy a tree protected by that order, or to cause or permit such actions, without the authority’s permission. Anyone found guilty of such an offence is liable. In serious cases the case may be dealt with in the Crown Court where an unlimited fine can be imposed.

To make an application to carry out tree works on a protected tree/s, you will need to complete an application form and submit it to the LPA. The form can either be submitted through the Planning Portal or directly to the LPA. You can find out more about TPOs in the Department for Communities and Local Government guide titled Protected trees: A guide to tree preservation procedures. 

 

 

Conservation Areas

 

Normal TPO procedures apply if a tree in a conservation area is already protected by a TPO. But if a tree in a conservation area is not covered by a TPO, you have to apply to the local planning authority for permission.

This can be done online or we can apply for you, it usually takes up to six weeks to get a decision.

You do not need to give notice of work on a tree in a conservation area less than 7.5 centimeters in diameter, measured 1.5 meters above the ground (or 10 centimeters if thinning to help the growth of other trees).

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