Tree preservation orders (TPOs)
- What is a TPO?
- Find out if a tree has a TPO
- Requesting a TPO
- Carrying out work on a protected tree
- Conservation area tree work
- Development site tree work
- Reporting unauthorised work to a protected tree
- Prosecution for unauthorised work
- Contact
What is a TPO?
A tree preservation order (TPO) gives legal protection to a:
- tree
- group of trees
- woodland
Without written consent, you cannot do any of the following to trees that have a TPO:
- cut down
- uproot
- prune or cut back any branches
- damage or destroy, including cutting roots
Types of trees covered by a TPO
Anything normally classified as a ‘tree’ can be covered by a TPO.
There is no minimum size, but bushes and shrubs cannot be covered.
In certain circumstances, fruit trees can be protected, provided they offer a benefit to the public.
Find out if a tree has a TPO
You can:
- check our interactive map
- search online - select the 'Tree Preservation Orders' category
- contact our planning service
Requesting a TPO
If a tree doesn’t have a TPO and you think it should, please contact the planning department.
You must give the reasons why you think a tree needs protecting.
We consider requests against 4 main criteria:
- the visibility of the tree from a public place
- the tree's particular importance in terms of its:
- size
- form
- rarity
- screening value
- contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area
- the tree’s significance in its local surroundings and wider impact on the environment
- whether the tree could be at risk in the future
It’s not usually necessary to designate TPOs for trees which are under a recognised tree management programme, such as:
- street trees managed by our tree section
- woodland managed by the Corporation of London in Highgate Wood
Carrying out work on a protected tree
Before carrying out work on a protected tree, you must apply for permission.
Please complete and return the application for tree works form on the forms and fees page.
Applications
Anyone can apply but if they are not the owner, they need the owner’s permission.
How long will it take to get permission?
There is no time limit on a response for works to a tree covered by a TPO.
We will respond within 6 weeks to a notification of works in a conservation area.
Appealing a decision
If you’re unhappy with a decision you have the right to appeal. Details are sent with all decision letters.
Permission to do emergency work
The normal application process is waived if a protected tree is:
- dead
- dying
- dangerous
You must give us 5 days’ notice of your intention to carry out work.
If the danger is immediate, eg the tree is about to fall, causing damage or injury, you can carry out work without prior notice.
If you do this we may, at a later date, ask you to prove the tree was a danger. Because of this, you are strongly advised to collect evidence such as:
- photographs
- a tree surgeon’s report
- an independent witness statement
Commenting on an application
If you would like to comment on an application please contact the planning department.
Please note, we do not legally have to consult on a tree application.
Conservation area tree work
It is an offence to do work to a tree in a conservation area without consent.
Check if your property is in a conservation area - see our conservation area pages.
A tree with a TPO
If a tree in a conservation area is protected by a TPO, you will need to apply to carry out any work.
A tree without a TPO
If a tree in a conservation area doesn’t have a TPO, you must give us 6 weeks’ notice to carry out work if it is:
- 7.5 cm in diameter measured 1.5 metres above the ground if a single tree
- 10 cm in diameter measure 1.5 metres above the ground if part of a group of trees
Please complete and return the notice form on our forms and fees page.
After receiving notice we will write and let you know if we:
- intend to put a TPO on the tree
- have no objections to you doing the work
Development site tree work
Trees on development sites can be protected by:
- a TPO
- conditions attached to the planning permission
- both the above
Consideration is given to the impact of, or potential loss of, any protected trees when assessing the planning application.
If full planning permission is granted, consent is not required to:
- cut down or carry out work on trees
- cut down a TPO tree to make way for a new building
Conditions attached to planning permission
For any work carried out close to a protected tree the work must be done in accordance with British Standard (BS 5837:2012).
An extra condition may be attached to planning permission requiring building foundation design approval. This is to ensure the work doesn’t affect trees on the site.
Reporting unauthorised work to a protected tree
If you see works being carried out that you think may be unauthorised, contact the planning department.
It will help our enforcement action if, without putting yourself at risk, you can get the following information:
- photographs
- details of the contractor
Prosecution for unauthorised work
If work is carried out on a protected tree without permission the owner, or person carrying out the work may be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000.
Contact
- Contact us online
- Write to us at:
Development Management Support Team
6th floor River Park House
225 High Road
Wood Green
N22 8HQ