Protected trees and hedges

Before you carry out work on a tree, you need to know if you need permission to carry out the work.

You will need permission if the tree is:

• in a conservation area
• subject to a specific Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

You can look at Conservation area page and interactive maps, to find out if the tree is in a conservation area.

To look at a specific TPO you can:

• contact our Landscape Services team to ask for a copy of the TPO. We will charge you £1.50 for each copy of the TPO
• visit our offices and ask to see the TPO file. There is no charge for this service

Apply for permission to carry out work on a tree

You can apply for permission to carry out work on a tree through the Planning Portal.

After you have submitted your application via the Planning Portal, we will:

• validate your application
  We will check that you have submitted all of the required documents and drawings. If there are any problems, we will contact you   

• start a public consultation
  We put the application on public consultation for a period of four weeks, we notify the Parish Council and put the application onto the website during the Consultation period. Anyone can support or object to the application

• carry out a site visit
  Our officer will carry out a site visit to assess the application

• issue a decision
  We will issue a decision within eight weeks

Report unauthorised work on a protected tree

We generally create Tree preservation order when it is apparent that a tree of public importance is under threat.

You can contact our Landscape Services team if:

• you think someone is carrying out work on a tree without the right permission
• you think someone may be planning to carrying out work on a tree without the right permission
• you think an important tree needs a TPO

Tree surgeons and contractors

If you are carrying out work to trees and hedgerows, you should use contractors with:

• suitable qualifications
• the right type and level of insurance

We do not have a list of tree surgeons and cannot make individual recommendations. You can find information and guidance from the Arboricultural Association.

Felling licences

For non-residential property the felling of more than five cubic metre of timber in any three month period may require a felling licence. You will need to contact the Forestry Commission for advice and to apply.