Is my tree protected? How to check

A tree can be protected in two ways: by a Tree Preservation Order on the tree itself, or by standing in a conservation area. Either way, most work on it needs the council’s say first. GOV.UK sets out the rules in its guidance on Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas, and these are the points that matter most:

• A tree with a Tree Preservation Order needs the council’s consent before it is cut back or taken down.
• In a conservation area, the council needs six weeks’ notice first.
• For an order, the council has eight weeks to decide, after which you can appeal if there is no decision.
• Consent lasts two years from the date it is granted, unless the council sets a different time limit.
• A dead tree does not need consent, but the council must have five working days’ written notice first, unless there is an immediate risk of serious harm.
• Work done without consent can mean a fine of up to £20,000 in the magistrates’ court, or an unlimited fine in the Crown Court in serious cases.

Applications go through GOV.UK’s apply to do work on a protected tree service or the council directly. It applies to branches over your side too, which catches people out when they cut back a neighbour’s tree (see what you can cut).

How to check, council by council

Each council keeps its own record of protected trees and its own route for applications. These are the councils for the areas we cover, with what each one’s own pages say.

If you are still not sure

Send us the address and we will check it for you before any work starts. If the tree is protected, we can make the application for you, for a small fee.