Local Authorities can issue a Tree Presevation Order (TPO) making it necessary for the owner or occupier of any land to obtain prior consent of that authority 6 weeks before any lopping, pruning or felling is carried out. TPO’s are issued in theory to conserve and protect trees from development but the cost and excessive control is leaving some trees to die of neglect.

Nearly all trees in a ‘Conservation Area’ are automatically protected by this legislation. The Forestry Commission have the right to prevent woodland being destroyed and issue licenses for thinning out and felling on your own land. Tip - check the law before embarking on a major tree uprooting scheme.