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.

To find out if the trees at a property are protected can:

• Call us on 0161 912 3149
• Send an email to trees.planning@trafford.gov.uk

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 contact us at trees.planning@trafford.gov.uk.

We will then look at the tree to see if it qualifies for protection and advise you accordingly.

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.

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.

Applications can be made online via the Planning Portal or by downloading the application forms and posting to the Planning service.

• Application for Works to Trees (TPO or in a Conservation Area) - (Guidance notes for works to trees)

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.