AM I ALLOWED TO
cut down trees IN MY OWN GARDEN?
From the majestic oak to the weeping willow, trees are a vital part of life on earth and their presence should be respected however, there are times when a tree needs removing from a garden and it is important that homeowners understand what is and what is not permissible.
AM I ALLOWED TO CUT DOWN A TREE IN MY GARDEN? Yes and no. If your tree has a TPO, (Tree Preservation Order) on it then no (or at least not without applying for a special license.) As an article on the Woodland Trust blog explains, ‘A TPO is a written order created by a local planning authority such as a borough, district or unitary council or national park. The aim of a TPO is to give protection to trees that provide amenity value to the public. It is a criminal
Similarly, if your property is in a conservation area then the tree is protected and you may not cut it down or do work to it.
offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by
The Woodland Trust explains,
a TPO, or to cause or permit such actions, without the authority’s permission. If the tree in
‘To request permission to perform tree works
your garden can be seen and therefore
you will need to fill in an application form and
enjoyed by the public, it could potentially have
submit it to the local authority. If you live in a
a TPO placed upon it. You can find out if the
Conservation Area, trees in your garden are still
tree has a TPO by contacting the tree officer at
subject to the same rules as trees with TPOs,
your local council.’
despite not necessarily having TPOs placed
