Tree Preservation Orders

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) exist to protect trees that are deemed to have significant amenity value. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, local authorities have the power to create a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). These may be carried out on individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands. Ultimately, the purpose of a Tree Preservation Order is to protect trees against removal or improper pruning that would result in a significant loss of amenity.

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How Do Our Tree Preservation Order Services Work?

At AWA Trees, we offer Tree Preservation Order services tailored to two main groups: homeowners or private tree owners seeking independent advice, and councils needing tree consultants to serve as their tree officers.

TPO’s For Private Tree Owners/Homeowners

Appealing or Objecting a TPO

We can help you object to the creation of new TPOs if there are valid reasons to do so. We assess the suitability of trees for Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) using standardised methods. This helps us determine whether the trees are truly worthy of protection.

In some cases, we can provide additional information to the council to help amend or narrow the scope of the TPO to only cover those trees that really deserve it.

Pruning or Felling a Protected Tree

AWA can advise you on acceptable pruning or felling work based on industry standards. We act as your agent to submit applications for TPO-covered trees and provide evidence for why felling may be necessary.

Breaching a Tree Preservation Order

If you receive a notice from the council about a potential TPO breach, it’s essential to act promptly. Local authorities may pursue legal action or damages if a TPO is violated.

We can provide expert witness reports and have supported cases all the way to Crown Court. Contact us for expert advice.

TPOs for Public Trees/Councils and Local Authorities

We regularly undertake Locum Tree Officer work for Local Planning Authorities. We can provide short-term temporary assistance, one-off reviews of the tree stock, or we can help with longer-term principal tree officer roles.

Locum Tree Officer Work

Our Locum Tree Officer services cover a variety of tasks, such as Tree Preservation Order applications, Conservation Area Notifications, and help with planning applications and pre-application enquiries.

Conservation Area Notifications

Our services include guidance on application validation, along with recommendations that outline necessary conditions and justifications for any refusals.

Breach of Tree-Related Planning Conditions

We can investigate and report potential breaches of planning conditions, Tree Preservation Orders, and Conservation Area Regulations.

Providing Statutory Consultee Responses

We help with planning applications and pre-application enquiries. This includes liaison with the designated case officer, written advice and appearance (on-line or in person) at any pre-app meetings with applicants, including liaison where required with the designated case officer for the application.

Tree Preservation Order Applications and Advice

As part of our Tree Preservation Order services, we can support Councils with validation advice and make recommendations with the necessary conditions and reasons for refusal. We can also provide input into the making of new TPOs (using TEMPO)

Council Clients

We work with a range of council clients, providing tree consultancy services such as tree risk assessments, planning advice, and Locum Tree Officer support. Councils who have recently instructed tree consultancy work with AWA Tree Consultants include:

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Bolsover District Council
Cawthorne Parish Council
Derbyshire County Council
City of Doncaster Council
Gateforth Parish Council
Lincolnshire Council
North Duffield Parish Council
North East Derbyshire District Council
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Sheffield City Council
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Waverley Borough Council

This work ranges from large-scale tree risk inspections, advice and surveys in relation to planning and development, and Locum Tree Officer works - advising and commenting on planning applications and Tree Preservation Order applications, including validation advice. This has included input into successful Planning Appeal Statements on behalf of Councils.

Why Choose AWA Trees?

Take a look at some of the reasons why clients choose us:

Relationships

We’ve built good relationships with many councils, providing honest independent advice.

Expertise

Our in-depth knowledge covers tree law and the planning system for both the public and private sectors.

Value For Money

We deliver excellent value for money by providing expert guidance that prevents costly mistakes and ensures compliance with tree protection legislation.

Fast Surveys

Our efficient, streamlined services save time, helping clients achieve their goals quickly and effectively.

Experience

We’ve acted as tree experts all the way up to Crown Court, we are also relied upon by local planning authority Tree Officers for honest and accurate advice.

Tree Preservation Order Services At AWA Trees

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to appeal a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), need advice on pruning or felling a protected tree, or are a council in need of Locum Tree Officer support, AWA is here to help. Our TPO and tree planning services cover a full range of needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Tree Preservation Order?

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are created by Local Authorities to protect individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands. A Tree Preservation Order is a legal order that makes it a criminal offence to cut, damage or destroy a protected tree without permission.

What Happens If You Carry Out Work On a Protected Tree Without Permission?

Anyone who breaches a Tree Preservation Order by damaging or carrying out work without permission is guilty of an offence. This could result in a fine up to £20,000 in the Magistrates’ Court or an unlimited amount in the Crown Court. Landowners also have a duty to replace a tree that has been removed, uprooted, or destroyed in contravention of an Order.

How Does a TPO Protect Trees and Woods?

If a tree, area of trees, or wood is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, anyone wishing to carry out management work or remove the tree will need to get permission from the local planning authority.

How Can I Find Out If a Tree On My Property Has a TPO?

To check whether a tree on your property has a Tree Preservation Order, you can check with your local council or use online mapping services offered by the council. Some councils offer interactive maps or a database for easy access to TPO information.

Are There Any Exemptions To TPO Restrictions?

There are certain exemptions that exist including:
- Emergency work needed for safety
- Removing dead branches
- Complying with statutory requirements

Does a Tree Preservation Order Affect Property Value?

While TPOs can sometimes limit development potential, they often add value by preserving natural beauty and the environmental benefits of mature trees. This can be very attractive to many property buyers.

What Are The Timescales of a TPO?

A temporary TPO lasts six months. During this time, the Authority will notify neighbours and other interested parties. Objections must be submitted within 28 days. After six months, the temporary TPO may either be confirmed as permanent or allowed to expire.