What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
A Tree Preservation Order is an order made by your local planning authority in England to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity. [gov.uk, 2014].
This order applies to private property. The TPO protects trees that are particularly attractive, are good examples of their species, contribute to the appearance of the area and/or have any cultural or historic value.
It is therefore illegal to:
· cut down
· prune
· uproot
· wilful destruction
· wilful damage
of trees without the local planning authority’s written consent. If consent is given, it can be subject to conditions which have to be followed.
Without written consent, we cannot carry out any work on a tree/ trees or woodland if there is a TPO in place. It is a criminal offence to fell or otherwise harm a tree protected with a TPO and can result in fines in excess of £20,000 per tree.
If you are in an area where TPO’s are established/ or the tree appears to have amenity value we may need to consult the local authority before carrying out any work.
Please contact us for professional Arboriculture advice and we will help inform you of your options.
For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas
