Trees

If you wish to prune or fell a tree on your property you may require planning permission or need to notify your Local Planning Authority (LPA). This depends on whether your tree is protected by either a Tree Preservation Order or a conservation area. 

If you are unsure about the status of trees which you intend to prune or fell (or you simply require further information) you should contact your council. 

Tree Preservation Orders 

Many trees are protected by Tree Preservation orders (TPO) 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 you wish to prune branches overhanging from a neighbour’s protected tree you will need to contact the Local Planning Authority. 

Read further detail on additional consents required for TPOs¹.

Conservation areas 

If your tree is in a conservation area then you need to inform your Local Planning Authority six weeks before commencing work. A TPO overrides the conservation area, as such you should follow the rules set out by the TPO. 

To gain consent for either works on Tree Preservation Orders or in a conservation area you should submit a ‘Tree works: Trees in conservation areas/subject to Tree Preservation Orders’ application. This can be done through the Planning Portal online application service². 

Read government planning guidance on Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas³. 

Find detailed information about hedges, hedgerows and disputes here⁴. 

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/responsibilities/other-permissions-you-may-require/conservation-areas
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/app/applications
3. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas
4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/hedges/garden-hedges