What Is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal mechanism enacted by UK local planning authorities (such as Camden Council, Islington Council, Haringey, or Barnet) to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands that bring significant aesthetic and environmental value to the community. Unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to criminal prosecution and heavy fines of up to £20,000 per tree.
Trees in Conservation Areas
If your property is situated within a designated Conservation Area (e.g., Hampstead, Highgate, Belsize Park, or Canonbury), all trees with a stem diameter greater than 75mm (measured at 1.5 metres above ground level) are legally protected. You must give your local council 6 weeks' formal written notice (a Section 211 Notice) before carrying out any pruning, cutting back, or removal.
How to Check If Your Tree Is Protected
Before booking any tree work in North London, you should verify its legal status through one of the following methods:
- Online Planning Portals: Most North London borough council websites maintain interactive GIS maps listing active TPOs and Conservation Area boundaries.
- Direct Council Inquiry: Contact the local borough Tree Officer or Planning Department.
- Professional Arborist Assessment: When you book with North London Trees, we carry out complete land registry and TPO database checks automatically.
The Council Application Process Step-by-Step
Carrying out legal tree surgery on a protected tree follows a structured procedure:
- Arboricultural Inspection: Our qualified tree surgeons inspect the tree and formulate a clear specification compliant with British Standard BS3998:2010 (Recommendations for Tree Work).
- Submitting the Application: We complete and submit the formal 1-Gig application along with photo evidence, site plans, and justification (e.g. safety hazards or light restriction).
- Council Determination Period: TPO applications take up to 8 weeks for determination. Conservation Area notifications require a 6-week notice window.
- Approved Work Execution: Once formal written consent is issued, our team carries out the exact approved specification.
Emergency Exceptions for Dangerous Trees
If a protected tree becomes imminently dangerous due to severe storm damage or decay, immediate safety work can be performed under an exemption. However, strict requirements apply: you must notify the council at least 5 working days in advance where possible, retain detailed photographic proof, and keep cut timber for council inspection.
Need help navigating council tree permissions? Learn more about our Arb Reports & Consultation or get in touch with our team today.