Carrying out work on a tree
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.
