Protected trees
Service update
We regret to inform you that our transition to a new planning portal provider is experiencing delays. As a result, the planning portal and associated online services currently remain unavailable. Our teams are working hard to get these services online as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your ongoing patience.
Protected trees may be covered by a tree preservation order (TPO) or they may lie within a conservation area.
Some protected trees may also be protected because of a specific condition on a planning permission.
It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy any protected tree without the necessary consent. If you do this you may be prosecuted in the Magistrates' Court, be fined up to £20,000 and, in serious cases, committed for trial in the Crown Court.
View tree preservation order protocol
View tree enforcement protocol
TPOs are legal orders made to protect:
- single trees
- areas of trees
- groups of trees and woodlands
If you wish to request a tree preservation order you can do so online here.
Request a tree preservation order
Work on protected trees
If you want to do any works to trees covered by a TPO you need council permission. This applies to any works to lop, top, pollard or fell a tree. In addition, most trees within conservation areas have a similar protection and works to these may also need consent. Applications are free of charge.
Contact the planning applications team
Phone lines open from 10:00 - 12:00