Find out if a tree is protected

Before you carry out any work on a tree, please check our online mapping system to find out if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and/or located within a conservation area.

Trees in conservation areas that are more than 7.5cm in diameter at 1.5 metres above the ground are also protected.

Find Protected Trees on a map

• How to use the TPO map (PDF)

You can also ring the Planning Service on 01274 434605 to find out if a tree is protected.

What is a Tree Preservation Order?

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) are made by the Council to give legal protection to any tree, group of trees or woodlands that make an important contribution to a public amenity. 

A Tree Preservation Order makes it illegal to cut down, prune, or otherwise damage a tree protected by a TPO without the council’s consent and the unauthorised lopping or felling of a tree is a criminal offence which can result in an unlimited fine.  If a tree is illegally felled to facilitate development then the fine can be raised to the cost of the development value.

Protected trees in Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are special areas designated to conserve the districts valuable heritage assets. As well as protecting buildings and other built structures they also protect trees that have a stem diameter which is bigger than 75 mm when measured at a height of 1.5 metres above ground level. The penalties for unauthorised felling or lopping of trees in Conservation Areas are the same as for trees protected by Tree Preservation Order.

Some trees in conservation areas also have a specific Tree Preservation Order attached to them. In these cases the Tree Preservation Order rules apply.

Planning conditions

The Council, when granting planning permission for a new development, may impose a condition requiring existing trees on the site to be retained and maintained, even if they are not protected by a TPO or in a Conservation Area. To find out whether trees are protected by a planning condition please check the Council’s online planning system.

If you believe that your tree is covered by a planning condition and you wish to carry out work to it then you will have to apply for the work.