Liverpool Tree Planting & Removal Permits - Bylaws

Land Use and Zoning England 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of England

Liverpool, England landowners, developers and occupiers must follow city planning rules and permissions before planting on council land or removing/working on trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or in conservation areas. This guide explains when permits are required, who enforces the rules, how to apply for works, and where to report unauthorised felling or harmful pruning in Liverpool.

Always check whether a tree is protected by a TPO or in a conservation area before doing works.

Scope & When Permits Apply

The principal controls in Liverpool relate to trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), trees in conservation areas, and trees on council-owned highways or parks. Works that commonly require permission include felling, uprooting, cutting back, or other works that would affect the health or structure of a tree. For official guidance on protected trees and required notifications, see the city guidance on Tree Preservation Orders and works to protected trees Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)[1].

Permits, Notifications and Who Decides

  • Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) - formal legal protection issued by Liverpool City Council; permission required for specified works.
  • Conservation area notifications - different notice periods may apply where trees are in conservation areas.
  • Works on council land or highways - separate permission from the council department responsible for streets, parks or highways is required.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorised tree works and breaches of TPOs is carried out by Liverpool City Council planning enforcement and the relevant operational departments. The council may pursue remedial notices, prosecution, or other actions against those who fail to comply. For the council's enforcement approach and complaint process see the planning enforcement page Planning Enforcement[2].

Breaching a TPO or carrying out unauthorised works can lead to formal enforcement action by the council.

Fines and Monetary Penalties

The official Liverpool pages referenced do not list specific fixed fine amounts for TPO breaches or unauthorised felling on the cited pages; such figures are not specified on the cited page and may depend on the legislation or court outcome invoked. See the enforcement page for procedures and possible outcomes Planning Enforcement[2].

Escalation and Repeat Offences

Escalation (first, repeat or continuing offences) and any graduated fines or orders are not specified on the cited council pages and will follow the council's enforcement policy and applicable legislation; details are not specified on the cited page.

Non-monetary Sanctions

  • Remedial works orders to replace or replant trees.
  • Prosecution in magistrates' or crown courts where criminal offences are pursued.
  • Service of enforcement or stop notices requiring corrective action.

Enforcer, Inspections and Complaints

  • Enforcing body: Liverpool City Council planning enforcement and the council departments responsible for streets, parks and highways.
  • How to report: use the council's planning enforcement complaints process and the contact channels on the enforcement page Planning Enforcement[2].
  • Inspections happen following a complaint or where council officers identify suspected breaches; specific inspection timelines are not specified on the cited page.

Appeals, Review and Time Limits

Appeal and review routes, including any statutory time limits for appealing enforcement notices, are governed by planning legislation and the council's procedure; exact appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the council when you receive a notice.

Defences and Discretions

Possible defences include seeking retrospective consent, arguing bona fide emergency works for safety, or demonstrating a reasonable excuse; the council's guidance notes that permissions or variances may apply and recommends contacting the council before undertaking works.

Common Violations

  • Felling a tree protected by a TPO without consent.
  • Carrying out significant pruning or root works in a conservation area without notice.
  • Undertaking works to trees on council-owned land without highway or parks permission.

Applications & Forms

Application forms, submission methods and any fees for works to protected trees are described on the council's TPO and planning pages; where a specific form name or fee is not shown on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page. For official guidance and application submission contact points see the council's Tree Preservation Orders guidance Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)[1].

If in doubt, apply or notify the council before work to avoid enforcement risk.

How-To

  1. Check whether the tree is in a conservation area or covered by a Tree Preservation Order using the council guidance and maps where available.
  2. Contact Liverpool City Council planning or the parks/highways team to confirm whether permission is required.
  3. Prepare and submit the required application or notification, attaching health or safety evidence if relevant.
  4. Await the council decision or formal notice; do not carry out non-emergency works until consent is granted.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the steps in the notice and use the council's appeal process if available.

FAQ

Do I need permission to fell a tree in Liverpool?
Yes if the tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order or in a conservation area; contact the council for confirmation and application requirements.
How do I report unauthorised tree removal?
Report suspected unauthorised works to Liverpool City Council via the planning enforcement complaint process on the council site.
Are there standard replacement requirements if a protected tree is felled?
Replacement or replanting obligations may be imposed by the council; specific requirements depend on the enforcement notice and are set by the council case officer.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check protection status before removing or significantly pruning trees in Liverpool.
  • Apply or notify the council where TPOs or conservation area rules apply to avoid enforcement risk.

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