Glasgow Tree Preservation Orders & Removal Permits

Land Use and Zoning Scotland 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, trees can be protected by Tree Preservation Orders to conserve urban canopy and biodiversity. Property owners and contractors must check whether a tree is protected before pruning, felling or moving it. Official guidance and application details are published by Glasgow City Council; see the council's Tree Preservation Orders page Tree Preservation Orders[1].

Apply before pruning or removing any tree you suspect is protected.

What Tree Preservation Orders cover

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) typically protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands and can restrict cutting, uprooting, wilful damage and wilful destruction. Owners remain responsible for tree safety and maintenance but must seek consent for works that are controlled by a TPO.

Penalties & Enforcement

Glasgow City Council enforces protection for trees through its planning and development functions. Exact monetary penalties and statutory fine amounts are not specified on the cited council page; enforcement can include notices, court action and orders for replacement planting or restoration.

  • Enforcer: Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards / Development and Regeneration Services is responsible for administering TPOs and investigating breaches.
  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page and may be set under wider planning legislation or by the courts.
  • Escalation: first offences, repeat or continuing offences may lead to notices followed by prosecution; exact escalation bands are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the council may issue restoration or replacement orders, stop notices, and seek court remedies.
  • Inspection and complaints: report suspected unauthorised tree works to Glasgow City Council planning enforcement or use the council report pathways (see Help and Support / Resources below).
  • Appeal and review: time limits for appeals and review routes depend on the specific notice or consent decision; the cited council page does not list standard time limits.
  • Defences and discretion: defences such as emergency works for safety or reasonable excuse may apply; formal consent routes and retrospective applications may be available but specific conditions are not detailed on the cited page.
Unauthorised work on a protected tree can result in enforcement action by the council.

Applications & Forms

Glasgow City Council publishes procedures for applying to carry out works to protected trees. The application form and guidance are available via the council planning pages; fees, submission method and deadlines are described on those official pages or via the planning portal. If a specific form number or current fee is required and not found on the council page, it is not specified on the cited page.

Practical steps for owners and contractors

  • Check: confirm whether a tree is subject to a TPO before work begins.
  • Apply: submit the official tree works application if the tree is protected.
  • Wait for consent: do not carry out non-emergency works until written consent is granted.
  • Pay fees: pay any application fees required by the council when applying.

FAQ

Do I need permission to cut down a tree in Glasgow?
Yes if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or lies in a conservation area; check with Glasgow City Council planning before work.
What if a tree is dangerous and needs immediate attention?
Emergency works to make a tree safe may be done, but you should notify the council as soon as practicable and retain evidence of the danger.
Can I apply retrospectively after unauthorised work?
Retrospective applications may be possible, but enforcement action or penalties can still be pursued by the council.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is protected by checking Glasgow City Council planning records or contacting planning staff.
  2. If protected, complete the council's tree works application form and include a clear plan, reason for works and photographs.
  3. Submit the application through the council planning portal or by the method set out on the council pages and pay any required fee.
  4. Await the council decision; if consent is granted, carry out works exactly as approved and keep records.
  5. If refused, follow the appeal or review instructions provided with the decision notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check Glasgow City Council records before pruning or removing trees.
  • Seek written consent for protected tree works; emergency safety works should be reported.
  • Contact Planning and Building Standards for enforcement, forms and advice.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Glasgow - Tree Preservation Orders

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