Tree Preservation Orders
On this page you can:
A tree preservation order (TPO) legally protects individual trees, groups of trees, areas, or woodlands that are in danger.
If there's a TPO on a tree, you’ll need get permission from us before doing any work. This work includes:
- cutting it down
- cutting back its branches
- digging near its roots
Doing any work on a protected tree without permission is against the law. If you do so, you could receive a fine of up to £20,000. You may have to plant a new tree to replace each one you damage.
Request a TPO
You can use our online form to order protection on:
- single trees
- woodlands
- hedgerows
A TPO cannot be applied to:
- protect hedges, shrubs, or bushes
- stop approved building work
- protect every tree in a neighbourhood
Request a Tree Preservation Order
You’ll need to include:
- the tree’s location
- the type of tree it is
- why it needs protection
- photos showing the tree and why it’s at risk
Check if a tree is already protected:
- use our interactive map to check whether the tree is in a conservation area, has a TPO, or is part of a planning application
- for woodlands or large groups, check the Forestry Commission to see if the tree/area is covered with a felling licence (this licence allows the trees/area to be removed).
If your tree is at risk and not already protected, you can request a TPO.
After getting a TPO request:
- we look at the tree’s health, how visible it is, and its impact
- even if a tree is worth protecting, we won’t always make an order if it’s not threatened
- it might take us up to 12 weeks to decide on an action
- We’ll tell you our decision and consult others over 28 days before making it official.
We are not currently reviewing existing TPOs.