Tree Protection
Trees are also long-lived, and have often survived many changes in the environment around them. Unfortunately they are also easily damaged. It takes little time to destroy a tree that may have been an important landmark for decades or centuries.
Tree Preservation Orders
In order to protect individual trees or groups of trees that are of value to the community, the local planning authority may create a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
A TPO in general makes it a criminal offence to fell, lop, top, uproot or otherwise willfully damage a protected tree without the permission of the local planning authority. There is a fine of up to £20,000 per tree, if convicted in a Magistrates Court. For other offences there is a fine of up to £2500. If convicted, a replacement tree will also normally need to be planted on or near the place where the tree was destroyed.
You will also need to apply for planning consent to do works such as pruning to a protected tree. This is to ensure that the proposed works are conducted to the correct standard. Your district council will be able to provide advice on acceptable solutions to any problems caused by the tree and advice on how to fill in the application forms.
You can find out if a tree is protected by contacting your district council. Copies of TPOs are available for inspection at the Council Offices.
If you feel a tree needs protecting by a TPO you should inform your district council and usually the planning department will assess the tree using a systematic scoring system.
If you see any work being carried out to a protected tree you should also contact your district council who will determine whether the owner has permission and will take any action necessary.
Conservation Areas
Trees lying within Conservation Areas are also protected by legislation. The Local Planning Authority, in this case your district council must be notified in writing, 6 weeks prior to any works being carried out to a tree within a conservation area.Planning Conditions
Trees on Development Sites may be protected by a planning condition that is usually in force both during the construction phase and afterwards. The planning condition may bind future occupiers not to remove or damage trees and give the local authority the power to enforce replanting should any loss or damage occur.Felling Licences
The felling of over a certain volume of timber requires a Felling Licence which can be obtained from the Forestry Commission.Further Information
To find out if a tree is protected by a TPO, planning condition, or for advice on the management of protected trees, contact your local district council.
To find out if an area is a conservation area you can view a map of Conservation Areas in County Durham in our online Geographical Information System. Note: the map shows Conservation Areas as updated 30 April 2004. If you are in doubt about whether a tree is within a Conservation Area, check with your district councils planning team.
To find out more information about tree protection, visit the Communities and Local Government website where you can view and/or download guidance on protected trees.
