Kerbsight Bath and North East Somerset › Guides › Tree preservation orders
Tree preservation orders (TPOs) explained
A tree preservation order is made by a council to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands. Cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting or wilfully damaging a protected tree needs the council's written consent.
What it stops
Without written consent an order prohibits cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage and wilful destruction. The Secretary of State also treats cutting roots as needing consent.
What it means if you own or are buying
- Apply on the standard form from the Planning Portal or the council, with the trees marked on a plan, a description of the work and your reasons. The council has 8 weeks to decide; after that you can appeal for non-determination.
- Exceptions include dead trees (with 5 working days' notice), trees presenting an immediate risk of serious harm, and work required by an Act of Parliament.
- Breaking an order is an offence. See the government guidance for the penalties.
- Trees in a conservation area without an order: tell the council six weeks before certain work, unless an exception applies.
How we show it
We do not yet show tree preservation orders. For Bath and North East Somerset no boundary data is published on planning.data.gov.uk. Ask the council, which keeps the register.
Common questions
What is a tree preservation order?
An order made by a local planning authority in England to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of amenity.
How long does the council have to decide a TPO application?
8 weeks. After that you can appeal to the Secretary of State for non-determination.
Official sources
- Planning practice guidance: Tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas (GOV.UK) (accessed 2 October 2026)
General information, not legal, planning or surveying advice. Check with the council and a qualified professional before relying on it. Other guides: Flood zones 1, 2 and 3, Listed building grades (I, II*, II), Conservation areas, Article 4 directions, Agricultural land grades.