Tree Preservation Orders & Tree Removal Permits - London

Introduction

In London, England, Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and local tree-removal controls protect trees that contribute to the public amenity or local environment. Local planning authorities across London administer TPOs and permissions for works to protected trees; national guidance supplements local procedures and enforcement. This guide explains what a TPO is, who enforces tree protection in London, how to apply for permission to carry out works or remove a protected tree, and practical steps for homeowners, developers and contractors.

What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

A TPO is a legal order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands. TPOs make it an offence to cut down, top, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a protected tree without the authority's written consent. National guidance and local authority pages explain scope and process; consult the national guidance for an overview and your borough for local rules gov.uk guidance^[1], and your borough planning pages for local procedures City of London - Trees^[2] and practical application pages such as the London Borough of Camden Camden - Trees and hedgerows^[3].

Who is responsible?

• Local planning authority (your borough council) enforces TPOs and grants consents.
• Planning enforcement or arboricultural teams investigate complaints and unauthorised works.
• Landowners remain responsible for maintaining trees on their property even when a TPO applies.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for breach of a TPO is carried out by the local planning authority. Official guidance confirms that unauthorised works to protected trees are an offence; specific penalty figures and statutory fines are not provided on the national guidance page and must be checked with the enforcing local authority.^[1]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: local authorities can issue enforcement notices, require replanting, bring prosecutions and seek court orders; details vary by authority.
• Enforcer and complaints: contact your borough planning enforcement or tree officer; see borough contact pages for reporting procedures City of London - Trees^[2].
• Appeal/review: review and appeal routes depend on the notice or decision type; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the local authority.
• Defences/discretion: local authorities exercise discretion; defences may include where works are urgent for safety or fall under permitted exemptions, but confirm with your borough.

Applications & Forms

Most London boroughs require a tree works application or request for written consent to carry out works on protected trees. Some boroughs provide online submission or a specific tree works form; others accept applications through the planning portal or by email to the arboricultural officer. For local forms and guidance, consult your borough planning pages Camden - Trees and hedgerows^[3] and the City of London tree services page City of London - Trees^[2]. If a named form, fee or submission route is required it will be listed on the local authority page; if not listed, the page does not specify a form.

Common violations

• Carrying out pruning, felling or root works without consent.
• Failing to plant replacements after a notice to replant.
• Ineffective protection of trees during construction works.

How to report suspected illegal tree works

• Contact your borough planning enforcement team with address, photos and dates.
• Provide any contractor details, prior consents, and witness statements if available.
• Keep records and follow up in writing; request an investigation reference number.

FAQ

How do I find out if a tree is protected?

Check your local planning authoritys interactive map or contact the councils tree officer; national overview is on gov.uk guidance.

Can I apply for retrospective permission after unauthorised works?

Yes, many councils accept retrospective applications but enforcement action can still be taken; consult your borough planning team.

Who pays for replacement planting?

The landowner is usually responsible for replanting where required by an enforcement notice; specifics are set by the local authority.

How-To

1. Check whether the tree is in a conservation area or subject to a TPO via your borough map or planning pages.
2. Contact the local tree officer to discuss proposed works and confirm whether consent is required.
3. Submit a tree works application or request consent using the local authoritys form or online service and include an arboricultural report if requested.
4. If consent is refused, follow the boroughs review or appeal process and seek legal advice for formal challenges.
5. If you observe illegal works, report to planning enforcement with evidence and request an investigation reference number.

Key Takeaways

• Always check with your borough before undertaking works to a tree in London.
• Unauthorised works can lead to enforcement, replanting obligations and prosecution.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of London Tree preservation orders and advice
• Camden Council Trees and hedgerows
• GOV.UK Tree Preservation Orders guidance
• Planning Portal Tree works and planning advice

1. [1] GOV.UK guidance  Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas
2. [2] City of London  Tree preservation orders and tree services
3. [3] London Borough of Camden  Trees and hedgerows