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.

A TPO is designed to prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or destruction of protected trees or woodlands. TPO’s are issued to conserve and protect trees from development but the cost and excessive control is leaving some trees to die of neglect.

TPO’s can protect individual trees, hedgerow trees, groups, areas or woodlands buy not hedges shrubs or bushes.

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 with your local authority before embarking on a major tree uprooting scheme. Conviction in a Magistrates Court can lead to a fine of up to a £20,000.