A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by a local planning authority or council in order to protect trees. This can relate to an individual or groups of trees. TPOs prevents felling, lopping, uprooting or other wilful damage of trees without permission. If you break the order you could face a significant fine.

If you think you may have a tree with a TPO you can contact your council to check, they may even have this information on their website. It’s also useful to check for TPO’s when you are looking to purchase a new home as the presence of such an order can complicate any additional building work or extensions you might want to carry out in the future.

At Prince Tree Surgery, we are often asked about trees with TPO’s and whether it’s possible to get a TPO lifted. Unfortunately getting a TPO lifted can be very tricky. The only way it can be removed is by the council.

Generally, the main reason a TPO could be removed would be because there was a mistake with the original order and if this was the case, a new order would be required. However, it’s also possible that the TPO could be lifted if the tree is dead, dying or diseased.

There’s no need to apply to get a TPO lifted if you simply want to carry out works on the tree, although you still need the council’s permission before this can be carried out.

There is generally no charge for the application to remove a TPO and if for some reason it is unfortunately refused you can appeal. There is usually also no charge for this.

If you still feel that lifting the TPO is your only option, you will need to persuade your council, they are under no obligation to revoke the order but they can if they choose to do so.

At Prince Tree Surgery we are fully qualified professional tree surgeons who can help and advise you on your options. We are very experienced, particularly when it comes to TPO’s, we have built strong relationships with the local authorities and we are able to apply for a Tree Preservation works request on your behalf.

Once the request has been approved, we can liaise with the authorities while the work is being undertaken and we can also undertake any replacement tree planting if the local authorities feel this is required.

We hope you found our article on How can I get a Tree Preservation Order lifted? useful, and if you would like to know more about Tree Preservation Order, then Ask Matt or call us on 01277 229709.