Protecting trees: (Town & Country Planning Act 1990)

Trees may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) where they offer significant public amenity to their local surroundings. TPO’s are made by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) making it an offence to “cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy” a tree without the planning authority’s permission with fines of up to £20,000. TPO’s are there to protect trees from harm but trees are living organisms which grow and change over time, needing attention and eventual replacement. We have an excellent relationship with our Local Planning Authorities and they have always been supportive of good arboricultural practice.

It is also necessary to apply to the LPA for permission to work on trees in a Conservation Area. The LPA can either allow the work to proceed or they can impose a TPO to protect the tree.

Before working on any trees we always check whether they are covered by a TPO or a Conservation Area. If it is required, we will usually make the application to the LPA on behalf of the customer.