Tree Preservation Orders

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 to 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.

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).

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
• all trees 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

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.