Tree Preservation Orders
- What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
- Finding out if your tree is protected
- How to protect a tree
- Getting consent to carry out work on a protected tree
- Conservation Areas
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
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. Trees that are exempt from TPOs are those that are dead, dying, diseased or dangerous and fruit trees grown for the commercial production of fruit.
TPOs prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without our consent.
The maximum penalty for carrying out works to TPO trees without consent is £20,000.
For a guide to the law and best practice on Tree Preservation Orders please see Tree Preservation Orders: a guide to the law and good practice on the Communities and Local Government website.
Finding out if your tree is protected
To find out if the trees at a property are protected by Conservation Area or TPO you can:
- Download and complete a Tree Enquiry Form
- Telephone the Planning Service on 0161 912 3149
- Send an email to development.control@trafford.gov.uk
How to protect a tree
We will only apply a Tree Preservation Order if it can be demonstrated that the tree is under threat. If this is the case and the tree looks healthy and stable, is visible from a public place and its removal would significantly harm the appearance of the area. To make an enquiry about protecting a trees(s), please complete a Tree Protection Enquiry Form
We will then look at the tree to see if it qualifies for protection and advise you accordingly.
Getting consent to carry out work on a protected tree
If you would like to apply to carry out works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Orders, or give notice of an intention to carry out works to a tree in a Conservation Area then please complete a Tree Application Form. To help you make an application, guidance notes are available.
However, if you wish to undertake felling or crown reduction it may be advisable to discuss your proposals with us prior to submitting the application. We may be able to advise you on alternative works that will solve the problem, but that will not conflict with our policies on tree protection.
Is there a charge for making an application?
There is no charge for making a Tree Preservation Order or Conservation Area Application. Appeals against decisions made are also free of charge.
Conservation Areas
A Conservation Area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve. Trees often make an important contribution to the appearance of Conservation Areas, and so are given special protection. Permission is required for the pruning or felling of any tree within a Conservation Area greater than 7.5cm in diameter (as measured at 1.5m above ground level). The penalties for unauthorised felling or lopping of trees in Conservation Areas are the same as for trees protected by TPO.
Who to Contact
Planning and Building Control
Trafford Council
PO Box 96
Waterside House
Sale
Greater Manchester
M33 7ZF
Email: trees.planning@planning.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 912 3149
Fax: 0161 912 3128
This page was last updated on 14 April 2008
