Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) Explained: What Every Homeowner Should Know
If you’re planning to prune, trim, or remove a tree on your property, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip — checking whether your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
At Tall Tree Services, we work with homeowners across Gloucestershire to safely and legally care for protected trees. Understanding TPOs can save you time, money, and potential legal trouble — here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A Tree Preservation Order is a legal protection made by your local council to safeguard trees that bring significant environmental or visual value to the area.
If a tree is under a TPO, it’s an offence to cut down, prune, lop, top, uproot, or damage it without the council’s written permission.
TPOs can apply to:
- Individual trees
- Groups of trees
- Areas or woodlands
- Trees within conservation areas
Even if a tree isn’t specifically listed, it may still be protected if it lies within a designated conservation area.
Why TPOs Are Important
TPOs exist to protect trees that:
- Enhance the local landscape
- Provide vital wildlife habitats
- Improve air quality and biodiversity
- Add value and character to your neighbourhood
Removing or damaging a protected tree without permission could lead to hefty fines and a requirement to replant. That’s why getting professional advice is so important.
How to Find Out if a Tree Is Protected
You can contact your local planning authority or some may have an online TPO map to check whether a tree is protected.
Or, simply let us handle it for you.
At Tall Tree Services, we can check TPO status as part of our free quotation. We can liaise directly with the local council, saving you the hassle and ensuring all the correct steps are followed before any work begins. Always ensure this request is made in advance.
Want to know how much a tree surgeon costs? Check out our blog here to find out more.
What Happens if Your Tree Has a TPO
If your tree is protected, don’t worry — it doesn’t mean you can’t do any work at all. It just means you need to apply for consent first.
We can help you during this process, including:
- Tree inspection & report – Our qualified arborists assess the tree’s health and structure.
- Application submission – We prepare all documents, plans, and justifications required by the council.
- Liaising with local authorities – We communicate directly with the planning team to ensure smooth approval.
- Carrying out the approved work – Once consent is granted, our team completes all work safely, legally, and to BS3998:2010 standards.
The Risks of Ignoring a TPO
Working on a protected tree without consent can lead to:
- Fines of up to £20,000 (and unlimited fines in serious cases)
- Legal enforcement action
- A requirement to replace the tree
- Damage to property value or insurance claims
Unfortunately, we often see homeowners caught out by unqualified contractors who skip these checks. Hiring a professional, certified tree surgeon like Tall Tree Services protects you from that risk.
Why Choose Tall Tree Services?
✅ Fully qualified & insured arborists
✅ Expert knowledge of local council regulations
✅ Complete TPO management from start to finish
✅ Honest advice and transparent pricing
✅ Environmentally responsible tree care
We’re proud to provide professional, legal, and sustainable tree surgery across Gloucestershire. Whether you need pruning, crown reduction, or safe tree removal — we make sure every job is carried out to the highest standard.
Always make sure you’re working with professionals, check out our blog here on key questions to ask before you hire a tree surgeon.
Get Expert Help with Protected Trees
If you’re unsure whether your tree is protected by a TPO or located in a conservation area, talk to our friendly team today. We’ll confirm the status, guide you through the permissions process, and ensure your trees are cared for legally and responsibly.
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌳 Request a free quote or TPO via our contact form
Tall Tree Services – your local, professional tree surgeons in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.
Safe, legal, and expert care for your trees.