Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by the local planning authority which makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without the planning authority’s permission.

All types of trees can be covered by a Tree Preservation Order, including hedgerow trees, and it can cover anything from a single tree to woodlands.

The Department of Communities and Local Government have produced a leaflet called Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures, written for the benefit of tree owners, the general public and amenity groups, and answers some of the most common questions asked about tree preservation procedures. It is for guidance only and is not a statement of law.

Trees in conservation areas

Trees in conservation areas which are already protected by a TPO are subject to the normal TPO controls. Trees without a TPO are protected by the provisions in section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

These provisions require people to notify the local planning authority, using a ‘section 211 notice’ six weeks before carrying out certain work on such trees, unless an exemption applies. The work may go ahead before the end of the six week period if the local planning authority advises that they have no objections. This notice period gives the authority an opportunity to consider whether to make a TPO on the trees.

Exceptional circumstances

There are certain circumstances where written permission from the council may not be necessary before undertaking works. These include:

• Making a tree safe if it is an imminent threat to people or property
• Removing dead wood, or a dead tree

If the owner is in any doubt on these matters they should check with the council.

If you consider the work to be exempt you are still required to give 5 days notice to the local planning authority, by email or a written note. You should supply photographic evidence to support your view that the work is exempt. This is required as a replacement tree is often a legal requirement.

View the location of TPOs in the Suffolk Coastal district using our online geographical information system (GIS)

Applying for works to trees

You can apply for works to trees that are subject to a TPO and/or notify us of proposed tree works within a conservation area using the planning portal online application process. A PDF application for works to trees form can be found on the planning portal website.

Application for tree works/notification of works guidance notes