Trees and hedges

The law protects certain woodlands, individual and groups of trees. Those trees that have Tree Preservations Orders (TPO's) or are within conservation areas are protected under a range of legislation that makes it an offence to carry out any work on those trees without permission from the Local Authority. There are some exemptions; please contact us for more information.

Trees that grow in Council owned property or on public open spaces are also important as they are Council property and managed for the benefit of the public. Anyone wilfully damaging these can be prosecuted.

The Authority has its own tree section based in Parks Services who supervise tree care and maintenance to trees owned by the council.

Please contact the Tree Maintenance Team in Parks Services if you have any queries or would like advice about tree care and maintenance of Council owned trees.

Application for tree works [185.2KB]

Guidance for tree works application form [103.6KB]

Advice for private tree owners

• Always contact the Local Authority to ensure that the trees are not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), planning constraints or that the tree is within a conservation area.
• Always employ a suitably qualified Tree Surgeon, who is covered by Public Liability Insurance. (Always ask for proof).
• Never employ house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional Tree Surgeons.
• Reputable Tree Surgeons will always have some form of professional identification and qualification proof. Always ask to see it.
• Reputable Tree Surgeons can be found in the Yellow Pages, the Aboricultural Association, the International Society of Arboriculture or contact us for further advice.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

Tree Preservation Orders or TPOs were introduced to enable local planning authorities to protect important trees. TPOs can be placed on any tree that has amenity value.

TPOs prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees (including their roots) without the Local Authorities consent.

The maximum penalty for carrying out works to TPO trees without consent is £20,000. The Council's policy is only to protect trees that are under a direct threat.

For a guide to the law and best practice on Tree Preservation Orders please visit Communities and Local Government website or contact the Development Management Unit.

High hedges

The right hedge can be an ideal garden boundary but the wrong hedge may bring problems.

High hedges: complaining to the council [394.9KB]

High hedges complaint form [84.3KB]

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