Protected trees

Many trees are protected by tree preservation orders which means that, in general, you need the council's consent to prune or fell them. In addition, there are controls over many other trees in conservation areas.

If work is carried out on a tree without written permission (and where written permission should have been obtained) the owner (or person who carried out the work), could be fined up to £20,000 per tree if convicted in the magistrates' court. In determining the amount of the fine, the court will take account of any financial benefit arising from the offence. The offender will normally have to plant a replacement tree if the tree was cut down or destroyed.

For permission to prune or fell a tree with a tree preservation order or located within a conservation area, you can apply online via the Planning Portal - Make an Application page.

When permission is granted for the felling of a preserved tree, the Council normally requires that a replacement tree is planted by condition. There is a legal duty to replace preserved trees that have died, become dangerous or have been removed without permission. Replacement will continue to be subject to the original TPO. Trees that are planted as replacements as a result of a court instruction also assume the protection of the existing Tree Preservation Order.

For more information on works to protected trees read the Planning Portal - How to apply page.

You may also like to call the Planning department for further information via the contact details shown on this page.