Tree preservation order (TPO)
What is a tree preservation order, and can I work near a protected tree?
What is a tree preservation order, and can I work near a protected tree?
A tree preservation order protects specific trees or woodlands. Cutting down, topping, lopping or uprooting a protected tree needs the council’s written consent, and development near one is expected to protect its roots. Breaching a TPO is a criminal offence.
What tree preservation order (tpo) means
TPOs are made by local planning authorities to protect trees that bring amenity value. Trees in a conservation area get similar protection automatically.
A protected tree near an excavation (a basement or deep foundation) is closely scrutinised, and root protection areas can constrain a building’s footprint.
“Trees make an important contribution to the character and quality of urban environments, and can also help mitigate and adapt to climate change.”NPPF paragraph 136 · full text in the library → · official source →
What it means for your project
Check for protected trees before designing anything that disturbs ground near them; plan for an arboricultural impact assessment alongside structural drawings.
National policy expects development to retain and protect existing trees wherever possible: designing around them is usually easier than justifying their loss.
Tree preservation order (TPO) is published as the “Protected trees (TPO)” dataset on the national planning data index. A Planning Policy report reads it live for your exact address.
Where tree preservation order (tpo) matters most
Does tree preservation order (tpo) apply at your address?
A Planning Policy report applies the official rules to your exact property: the designations on your address, the policies that bear on your project (quoted verbatim), and what decided applications nearby show. Generated in minutes.