Protected tree advice

You need this advice if you want to:

carry out works to a tree in a Conservation Area
carry out works to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
fell a tree in a Conservation Area
fell a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order

Types of advice

You can apply for either written advice or a meeting with a natural environment officer.

If you apply for written advice, the officer will respond within 20 working days of receiving your enquiry. (Working days excludes weekends and bank holidays.)

Alternatively, you can request a meeting with a natural environment officer to see the tree(s) and discuss your proposal. You will also receive subsequent written confirmation of the advice the natural environment officer gives you during the meeting.

The fee for the advice depends on whether the tree is in a Conservation Area or protected by a TPO, and the number of trees you require advice about.

What advice we provide

We can provide advice on:

whether you need to notify us or need consent for works
what type of application you need to submit
what documents or further tests you need to include
whether any exemptions may apply
timescales for applications
previous applications for works to trees
general condition or observation advice from a visual inspection
whether the proposed works are likely to be acceptable
what amendments you may need to make for us to consider your proposal favourably

We cannot provide advice on:

the likelihood of failure
stability testing
decay detection
remaining lifespan
implications for planning or other applications
forestry management
dealing with pests and disease

Fees for Conservation Area tree advice

The fee for written advice is £95.

The fee for meeting with a natural environment officer is £238.

Conservation Area tree advice excludes trees protected by a TPO within a Conservation Area.

Fees for Tree Preservation Order (TPO) tree advice

The fee for written advice for up to three trees is £126.

The fee for meeting with a natural environment officer for up to three trees is £317.

The fee for meeting with a natural environment officer for four trees or more is £634.

All fees are valid until 31 March 2025.