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Tree preservation orders

This Council has powers to protect trees by making them subject of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Any tree can be covered by these orders, including Conifers and Leylandii and trees in hedgerows. A TPO can cover anything from a single tree to a whole woodland.

Please note: work to trees within Conservation Areas also require consent from the council.

What is a tree preservation order?

It is an order made by the Council which makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, damage or destroy a tree without the Council's permission. Any person disregarding a TPO by cutting down, uprooting, chopping down or pruning a tree could be fined up to £20,000.

In serious cases a person may be committed for trial to the Crown Court and be liable upon conviction to an unlimited fine.

To find out if a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, please email planning.enquiry@redbridge.gov.uk. All requests must be received in writing. Unfortunately we can not provide this information over the phone.

If you think a tree should be protected, you can contact the Redbridge Tree Officers. Please refer to the contact details at the top of the page.

The Tree Preservation Order Leaflet (PDF 755Kb) has further information.

Extracts from the Town and Country (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012, relevant to Tree Preservation Orders made after 6 April 2012 can be found using the link below:

The Town and Country (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012 Extracts (PDF, 44kb)

How do I apply?

You can apply online at the Planning Portal or you can download an application form and post it to us with a set of plans showing the location of the affected trees and any other information required in the form.

To apply for either works to a tree in a conservation area or trees subject to a TPO please complete the T1 application form (PDF 1.28MB).

Costs and timescales

There is no charge for the application itself, but you may incur charges to produce drawings and plans. You will usually receive a decision on your application within 3 to 4 weeks.

Advice for tree owners

To find out if a tree or area of woodland is protected by a TPO, covered by a planning condition or is within a Conservation area, email planning.enquiry@redbridge.gov.uk
For trees in the countryside, a felling licence from the Authority may be required - for further information contact either the Redbridge Arboricultural Officer or the Forestry Commission.
Always employ a professional Tree Surgeon, who holds public liability insurance and always ask for proof of identity.
Never employ house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons.
Reputable Tree Surgeons will always have some form of professional identification which will include a membership number.