Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order is a written order made by a local planning authority (e.g. a borough, district or unitary council or a national park authority) which, in general, makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by that order without the authority’s permission. It is intended to protect trees which bring significant amenity benefit to the local area. This protection is particularly important where trees are under threat.