Tree Preservation Orders
A TPO can protect individual trees, groups or woodland. Cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or destruction normally requires the local planning authority’s written consent unless a specific exception applies. Root cutting can also be controlled.
- Locate the tree precisely on a plan
- Use species and measurements where known
- Describe the exact work rather than ‘prune tree’
- Explain the arboricultural reason and include supporting evidence
Trees in conservation areas
Where a tree in a conservation area is not already covered by a TPO, section 211 normally requires six weeks’ notice before qualifying work. The authority can make a TPO, allow the period to expire or indicate that it does not intend to make an order.
- Check whether the tree also has a TPO
- Submit a clear work description and location
- Do not treat silence as immediate permission
- Keep the notice and date received
Dead, dangerous and wildlife considerations
Exceptions are narrower than everyday language suggests. Unless there is an immediate risk of serious harm, notice may still be required for work to a dead protected tree. Wildlife law continues to apply to authorised and emergency work.
- Photograph the condition before work
- Record why action is urgent
- Limit emergency work to what removes the immediate risk
- Seek ecological advice where birds, bats or other protected species may be affected
Find the right Surrey authority
Surrey County Council notes that TPOs and conservation areas are administered by the district or borough councils. Use the property postcode to identify the authority; do not assume the county council grants consent for ordinary private-tree work.
- Elmbridge
- Epsom and Ewell
- Guildford
- Mole Valley
- Reigate and Banstead
- Runnymede
- Spelthorne
- Surrey Heath
- Tandridge
- Waverley
- Woking