Tree information and preservation orders

Works to Protected Trees

Tree Preservation Orders are made by councils to protect important trees and woodland. The main effect of an order is to prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees. This means that our permission is required to carry out any works. For example pruning, felling or works that may disturb or cause damage to the roots of a protected tree.

In our borough hundreds of trees are protected by such orders. Before any work is undertaken you can find out whether a tree is protected by searching our maps.

Trees may also be protected because:

  • they are in a Conservation Area (six weeks notice required for trees with a stem over 75mm in diameter measured at 1.5m above ground level)
  • or they are subject to a restrictive planning condition. To find information about this please search our database of planning applications.

To apply for consent to cut down, top, lop or uproot any tree subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) apply online or download a form:

Works to Council Trees

The Council undertakes routine maintenance of Council trees in accordance with the Council's Tree Management Plan If you believe that a Council owned tree is causing nuisance to your property, the Council can review whether it should be added the maintenance schedule. A request can be submitted here under Trees and Hedges. Any maintenance is undertaken in accordance with the Tree Management Plan, having regard to neighbour rights, the health of the tree and amenity value. 

High Hedges

The Council will review complaints about high hedges. This is a paid service. Information about High Hedges can be found here.

Insurance Claims

If you have reason to believe that a tree under a TPO is causing subsidence damage to your property, you should first obtain the advice of an arborist, your insurance company and/or structural engineer prior to submitting a tree works application. The Council will review any tree works application, taking account of all available evidence. 

If any alleged property damage is being caused by a Council owned tree, the Council will review requests as part of the tree maintenance program, having regard to all relevant factors. Refer to further advice here.

Felling Licence

In addition to the restrictions imposed by planning law, trees to be felled may require a felling licence. If you intend to fell any tree or trees that will amount to over five cubic metres of timber, you may require permission from the Forestry Authority - part of the Forestry Commission. This doesn't apply to trees within gardens.

Further information