Before making an application to us, if you wish to undertake works to a protected tree, we recommended you seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional, either a tree surgeon or an arboricultural consultant.
Information about choosing a suitable person can be obtained from the Arboricultural Association.
Although we are able to give advice on proposals, this advice must not be taken as official approval and is given without prejudice to the determination of a formal application.
Make an application
To submit an application for works to a tree protected under Tree Preservation Order (TPO), apply online. You can use the Planning Portal to submit your application online. There are guidance notes and video tutorials on the Planning Portal website to help you. If this is the first time you have used the Planning Portal service, you will also need to register. Registration is easy and you can complete your application form, upload supporting documents and pay fees online. You can also download planning application forms and submit them via email or through the post.
The application must include:
- A plan which identifies the tree(s) to which the application applies.
- Exact details of the works for which consent is sought - eg. crown thin by X% (See tree surgery terminology below)
- Statement of the reasons for making the application
- Appropriate evidence (eg. if the proposal is to fell a tree because of structural damage to property, reports on soil type, foundation depth and evidence of tree roots around the building or if the application relates to tree health or safety, a report from a qualified person).
Any submission that does not include the above information will not be registered, and you will be required to provide the additional information before the proposals can be considered.
In determining an application, we will take into account the impact the works would have on the tree's visual contribution to the area and to good arboricultural practice.
Tree surgery terminology - what do we mean?
- Crown - the part of the tree, which is above ground level, apart from the main stem
- Crown thinning - the removal of selected branches throughout the crown to reduce its density by a given percentage, without reducing the tree's overall shape
- Crown lifting - the removal of lower branches to increase the clearance ground level to provide access around the tree or prevent obstruction for vehicles using the highway
- Crown reduction - reducing the height and spread of the crown by a given amount
- Pollarding - the removal of the whole crown to a given point on the main stem
- Dead wooding or crown cleaning - the removal of dead, dying, damaged or diseased branches, back to sound wood, for reasons of safety and appearance.
