Protected trees
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What is a protected tree?
Trees are protected either by having a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or if the trees are within a Conservation Area.
Detailed information about Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas can be found on the gov.uk website.
Check if a tree is protected
If you want to carry out work on a protected tree
You will need our permission before you do any work to a protected tree. It is a criminal offence to carry out work on a protected tree without the necessary permission.
You will need to give us written notice 6 weeks ahead of work on trees in Conservation Areas.
Apply for permission and give notice for work on trees
You should complete the TPO tree work application on the planning portal. This can also be used to give Notice of Intent for work to trees in a Conservation Area.
There are guidance notes (PDF 193KB) to help you complete the form.
Subsidence due to a tree
If you think your property has suffered subsidence damage you should contact your home insurance company first. They will find out the cause of the movement and collect the required evidence.
This evidence is required to support any tree work application to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
These investigations can take a long time. Particularly if engineers believe that the tree is the cause of the reported damage.