Tree works and preservation overview

How to find out if a tree is protected, and when you need permission to work on protected trees

Before doing work on or cutting down a tree, you need to check:

For emergency tree work on council land, including fallen trees on roads and pavements, contact the Forestry team.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

You must get permission for carrying out any work on a tree which is covered by a TPO.

You can find out whether a tree is covered by a TPO online:

Tree Preservation Order map

You may be prosecuted for working on or removing these trees without permission
 

Conservation Areas

You must get permission before working on any tree which is within a Conservation Area. The exceptions are trees which:

  • have trunks smaller than 7.5cm in diameter (roughly an adult's wrist size) at 1.5m height above ground level
  • are commercially cultivated for fruit
  • are dangerous
  • form part of a hedge of two or more trees 

You must apply for permission at least 6 weeks in advance of any proposed work to trees. This gives us time to assess the contribution the tree makes to the character of the Conservation Area, and whether to allow the work to take place.

Dangerous, diseased and dead trees

If you need to do urgent work on a protected tree, you may be asked to provide proof that the tree was dangerous, diseased or dead after carrying out the work. If the tree is in a Conservation Area, you may also have to plant replacement trees to maintain the character of the area.

You are strongly advised to: