TPO and Conservation Area Work

If your trees are protected, you need written permission to remove them, or to do any tree surgery, apart from dead wooding.
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Tree Surgery in Conservation Areas

If your trees are protected, you need written permission to remove them, or to do any tree surgery, apart from dead wooding. If you remove trees or do work to them without permission, you could be prosecuted.

Woodward Arborists can complete your application form and add photos/ plans applying for the tree surgery work to be undertaken. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks for a decision. If you want to remove trees, you may be required to plant replacements of the same species/native species near to or in the same location.

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I contacted Guy when I needed help with a neighbours large and unruly Leylandii tree. As we live in a conservation area, he guided me through the planning process and responded quickly to all my questions. On the day of the tree surgery, his team arrived on time, got on with the job in hand and dealt with a tricky job very efficiently. The garden was left super tidy and Guy was a pleasure to deal with.

Nina Radcliffe
Frequent Questions
How do I know if my tree is protected?

Woodward Arborists always check prior to any visit whether the area is within a Conservation Area or if any TPO’s (Tree Preservation Orders) are in place and advise accordingly.

What is the purpose of a tree preservation order?

A tree preservation order protects trees that make an impact on their local surroundings. This is important when trees are in immediate danger.

What is a tree preservation order?

A tree preservation order is made by the local planning authority which makes it an offence to cut down, reduce, crown thin, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without permission from the planning authority. Tree preservation orders are used to protect trees that contribute to the appearance (amenity value) of an area. They are made if a tree is under threat of being cut down or damaged.

What types of tree can be covered in an order?

All trees regardless of species can be protected by a tree preservation order. The order can cover anything from a single tree to woodlands. Hedgerows trees can be protected, but NOT hedges, bushes or shrubs.

Who grants this permission and how long does it normally take to come through?

The local council’s planning department will grant permission and we should hear from them within 6 weeks of them receiving the application.

What happens if I carry out work on a protected tree without permission?

If you destroy or damage a tree you could be fined up to £20,000 if convicted in the magistrates’ court. For other offences you could be fined up to £2,500. If the tree was cut down or destroyed, you will normally have to plant a replacement tree.

Do I always need permission to work on a protected tree?

Yes except for:

  • Cutting down trees in accordance with one of the Forestry Commission’s grant schemes, or where the commission has granted a felling license.

You can cut down or cut back a tree under the following exemptions:

  • If the tree is dead, dying or dangerous.
  • In line with an obligation under an Act of Parliament.
  • At the request of certain organisations specified in the order.
  • If it is directly in the way of development that is about to start for which detailed planning permission has been granted.
  • In a commercial orchard, or pruning fruit trees in accordance with good horticultural practice.
  • To prevent or control a legal nuisance (you may find it helpful to check first with a solicitor).

We Give Back

Woodward Arborists genuinely care about the environment. We donate £5 to the Woodland Trust for every tree which we remove and are unable to replace. £3 can plant 1 tree, and £5 can help he Woodland Trust manage woodland for dormice.