If you wish to carry out any work on trees that are protected by either a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are in a conservation area, you must make an application before you start

We need to be notified six weeks before any work to trees in a conservation area begins. This gives us time to arrange for a tree officer to visit the site to assess the proposed works. If we are worried about the suggested works, we will try to come to an agreement on something which is more appropriate. If the proposed works are not acceptable, serving a TPO may be the last resort.

The purpose of a TPO is to protect trees which are thought to be significant in the landscape, important for wildlife, or under threat. Trees in conservation areas are protected because they play an important role in preserving the unique character of the surrounding area.

Further advice can be found on the government's website.

It is a criminal offence if you fail to notify us of works on protected trees and it could result in enforcement action, and even prosecution.