Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): What You Need to Know
Not all trees can be pruned or removed freely. In the UK, many important or visually significant trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Whether you’re a homeowner planning garden work, a builder clearing land, or a council officer managing green spaces, understanding TPOs is essential to avoid fines and legal issues.
At TD Tree & Land Services, we help clients navigate tree protection rules every day. Here’s a complete guide to what TPOs are, what they cover, and what you must do before carrying out any work.
What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal tool used by local planning authorities in the UK to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands. It prevents:
- Cutting down or felling the tree
- Pruning, lopping, or topping
- Uprooting or damaging the tree
- Wilful destruction, including root disturbance
TPOs are usually issued because the tree has significant value due to its appearance, age, rarity, contribution to the local landscape, or ecological importance.
Who Decides if a Tree is Protected?
Local authorities (your council’s tree officer or planning department) decide which trees to protect. A TPO can be made at any time, even during or after a planning application.
In emergencies, councils can issue a provisional TPO that takes effect immediately, followed by a consultation process to confirm it long term.
How Do I Know If a Tree Has a TPO?
- Contact your local planning authority
- Use their online map or property search tools
- Check the land registry, planning portal, or consult your property deeds
If you’re unsure, TD Trees can investigate for you as part of a pre-work tree survey.
Can I Carry Out Tree Work If There’s a TPO?
Yes – but only with written permission from the local planning authority. You must:
- Submit a formal application detailing the work (e.g. crown reduction, deadwood removal)
- Wait for approval – typically within 6 weeks
- Provide arboricultural justification for the work
Emergency works (e.g. dangerous trees after a storm) may be allowed without prior approval – but evidence and a qualified report must still be provided after the fact.
What Happens If I Ignore a TPO?
Breaching a Tree Preservation Order is a criminal offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Penalties include:
- Fines of up to £20,000 for each offence in Magistrates’ Court
- Unlimited fines in Crown Court for serious breaches
- Requirement to replace the damaged or felled tree (a ‘restocking notice’)
It’s also worth noting that property owners can be held liable even if work was carried out by a contractor, so always ensure your tree surgeon is aware of any TPOs in place.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, in limited cases you may not need prior consent for:
- Dead trees or branches – but evidence is required
- Dangerous trees posing an immediate risk – with follow-up proof
- Work ordered by a statutory body (e.g. electricity networks)
- Fruit trees in commercial orchards (some exceptions apply)
However, these are tightly controlled. If in doubt, always contact your local council first or speak to a professional arborist.
What About Trees in Conservation Areas?
Trees in conservation areas may not have individual TPOs, but they are still protected. You must:
- Notify the council at least 6 weeks in advance of any work
- Provide full details of the species, location, and nature of the work
If the council does not object within 6 weeks, the work can go ahead. However, they can choose to issue a TPO in response.
How TD Trees Can Help
Working on protected trees requires care, knowledge, and legal awareness. At TD Tree & Land Services, we provide:
- TPO checks for your property or land
- Support with applications to your local planning authority
- Qualified, insured tree surgery that complies with legislation
- Emergency assessments for damaged or dangerous trees
Contact us today to make sure your tree work is safe, lawful, and professionally done.
FAQs: Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Q: Can I cut down a tree with a TPO if it’s on my land?
Not without written permission from your local authority – unless it’s dead, dying, or dangerous, and even then, you’ll need evidence.
Q: How long does it take to get permission?
Usually 6–8 weeks. Councils may carry out a site visit or ask for arborist reports.
Q: What if I bought a house and didn’t know a TPO was in place?
You’re still liable. TPOs apply to the tree, not the owner. Always check before doing any work.
Q: Can TD Trees handle the paperwork?
Yes. We frequently submit TPO applications and liaise with councils on behalf of our clients.
Tree Preservation Orders are designed to protect the natural character of the UK’s towns, villages, and landscapes – but they can be complex to navigate. Before you prune, remove, or treat any mature tree, it’s essential to check if a TPO is in place.
At TD Tree & Land Services, we take the hassle out of compliance – handling the paperwork, dealing with the council, and carrying out the work safely and legally.