Tree Preservation Orders

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 prohibits the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the Local Authorities consent. The maximum penalty for carrying out works to TPO trees without consent is £20,000.

The National Park Authority's policy is only to protect trees that are under a direct threat.

For a guide to the law and best practise on Tree Preservation Orders please please click on the links below:

Protected Trees: a guide to preservation procedures

Tree Preservation Orders: a guide to the law and good practice

Trees that are not growing in a garden, churchyard, orchard or public open space are also protected by various Forestry Acts and you may require a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission in order to fell.

An appropriate map of information on the National Park is avialable on our website

Some advice for private tree owners:

• always contact the National Park Authority to ensure that the trees are not protected by a Tree Protection Order, planning constraints or that the tree is within a Conservation area
• always employ a suitable trained professional Tree Surgeon, who is covered by Public Liability Insurance - always ask for proof
• never employ house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons
• reputable Tree Surgeons will always have some form of professional identification and qualification proof - always ask to see it
• reputable Tree Surgeons can be found in the Yellow Pages or you can contact us for further advice

Local Government Service List number 508

Email: landscape.recreation@nnpa.org.uk
Telephone: 01434 611537
Fax: 01434 611656