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Trees*
 

TREES


Visit the Tree Section for more detailed information on these and other tree-related matters.

Which trees are protected?

Not all trees are protected, and no particular species or size of tree are protected. To be protected, a tree must meet one or more of these three conditions:
  • A Tree Preservation Order or TPO has been made at some time to cover that tree;
  • A planning condition has been made at some time to cover that tree;
  • The tree is within a conservation area.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are made under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999.

Planning conditions are normally conditions which are applied when planning applications affect existing trees – they are normally only temporary (for up to two years) but some last for longer, and indeed some have no time limit at all, so even if your tree is in an area where no planning permission has been granted recently it is worth checking.

How do I find out if a tree is protected or not? 
  • The best way to check if any tree or woodland is protected is to contact the Trees Section of the Council. An answer is normally given within two working days, and there is no cost to the enquirer.
Can work be done to a protected tree? 
  • If you wish to do works to a protected tree, including felling it, you need the consent of the Council. It costs nothing to apply, and if the works are reasonable and necessary and do not affect the local amenity adversely, they will usually be allowed. It takes up to two months to determine an application (six weeks if the tree is in a conservation area) so be sure to allow enough time when you apply. It may be an offence to do works before you have received written consent.
Where can I get advice about my trees?

  • The Council does not normally give advice on tree care and management, although you can find some general advice and links on this website. If you need particular advice on your trees you are advised to consult a tree specialist. This is particularly important if you are concerned about the safety of a tree, or a legal matter such as a boundary dispute. A list of qualified persons is maintained by the council.
How do I get a tree protected? 

  • The Council is always interested to hear of trees which might be suitable for protection, but normally a tree will not be protected unless it is under threat of some sort, and is in any case worthy of an order by being of some particular amenity value. If you believe a tree needs protection, please write to the Council and give your reasons, including the nature of the threat to the tree, and a map or plan if possible. Not all such requests are accepted, but normally a visit will be made to assess the tree, although if the matter is not urgent it may take some months before this occurs. Note that trees already owned by the Council cannot normally be considered for protection.
The roots/branches of a tree on my neighbours property are damaging/overhanging my property, what can I do?
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