How Do You Check If Your Tree Has a Preservation Order?

Trees are not only beautiful features of our landscapes, they also provide crucial environmental, aesthetic, and ecological value. For that reason, certain trees are legally protected under what’s known as a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). Before carrying out any pruning, felling, or even root disturbance, it’s essential to determine whether your tree is protected. Failing to do so could lead to significant legal and financial consequences. We’ll explain exactly how you can check if a tree is subject to a preservation order, why TPOs exist, what they mean in practice, and how trusted experts like Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon can assist you in navigating tree care legally and responsibly.

What Is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

A Tree Preservation Order is a legal designation made by a local planning authority (LPA) in the UK to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands from unauthorised work. Introduced under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, a TPO is used to prevent cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage, or destruction of protected trees without council consent.

TPOs are typically applied to trees that offer:

• Visual or environmental value to the public
  
• Significant contribution to the character of a neighbourhood
  
• Historical or cultural importance
  
• Support to local biodiversity
  

TPOs can apply to trees on both public and private land.

Why Does It Matter?

Carrying out unauthorised work on a tree protected by a TPO is a criminal offence in the UK. Offenders can face:

• Fines of up to £20,000 per tree in a Magistrates’ Court
  
• Unlimited fines in a Crown Court
  
• Enforcement notices and orders to replant
  
• Delays and restrictions on development or landscaping plans
  

Before taking any action, no matter how minor, you must check the protection status of your tree.

How to Check if a Tree Has a Preservation Order

If you’re unsure whether a tree is protected, follow these steps to find out:

1. Contact Your Local Planning Authority (LPA)

Your first and most reliable point of contact is your local council’s planning department. In Middlesbrough, this would be Middlesbrough Borough Council.

• You can usually email or call the planning team directly.
  
• Some councils also offer interactive online maps where you can search your address and view any existing TPOs.
  

Provide them with:

• The exact address of the property
  
• A description or photo of the tree in question
  
• The tree’s location on the property (e.g. front garden, rear corner)
  
• If possible, a plan or site layout showing the tree’s position
  

2. Use the Council’s Online Tree Map (if available)

Many councils across the UK now maintain GIS (Geographic Information System) maps showing TPO-designated trees. You can access these through your local council’s website. Simply:

• Enter your postcode or address
  
• Zoom into your property
  
• Look for any markers or layers showing protected trees or conservation zones
  

Note: Not all councils have publicly available online maps, and those that do may not always be fully up to date. It’s still advisable to confirm by contacting the LPA directly.

3. Check Your House or Land Deeds

Sometimes, property deeds or conveyancing documents will include reference to TPOs, especially if your solicitor identified them at the time of purchase. You may also find restrictions if your property is within a Conservation Area, where all trees above a certain size are protected by default, even if not individually listed.

4. Submit a Formal Enquiry

If you need confirmation in writing, you can submit a formal TPO search request to your local authority. This may be required for:

• Planning or development projects
  
• Tree surgery or landscaping proposals
  
• Property purchase due diligence
  

Some councils charge a small administrative fee for written confirmation.

What If the Tree Is in a Conservation Area?

If your property is within a Conservation Area, then all trees with a trunk diameter of more than 75mm (measured 1.5 metres above ground) are protected, whether or not they are specifically under a TPO.

In such cases, you must provide the local council with six weeks’ written notice before carrying out any tree work. If they do not object within that time, the work may proceed. If they do object, they may impose a formal TPO.

Can I Get a TPO Lifted or Amended?

In rare cases, you can apply to the local council to vary or revoke a TPO, but this is only successful if you can prove:

• The tree is dead, dying, or dangerous
  
• The tree is causing structural damage to a property
  
• The tree no longer holds the amenity value it once did
  

You’ll usually need to provide detailed arboricultural evidence from a qualified professional, and in many cases, an independent assessment or report may be required.

Working with a Professional: Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon

If you’re unsure about the legal status of your trees or need to carry out pruning, removal, or treatment of any kind, it’s always best to consult with a qualified professional. Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon offers:

• Local authority liaison for TPO checks and applications
  
• Detailed tree surveys and health assessments
  
• Preparation of planning documents for protected trees
  
• Safe, compliant tree work in accordance with British Standards (BS 3998)
  
• Emergency assistance for dangerous or storm-damaged trees
  

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, developer, or landscaper, the team can guide you through all legal and environmental obligations before beginning any work.

Final Thoughts

Before you reach for a saw or hire a contractor, take the time to confirm whether your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order. The consequences of unauthorised work can be serious, both financially and legally. Fortunately, checking the status of a tree is a straightforward process involving your local planning authority, public maps, and, when necessary, professional support.

If you’re based in Middlesbrough or surrounding areas, Middlesbrough Tree Surgeon is ready to assist with expert guidance and fully compliant services. With their help, you can protect your trees, follow the law, and maintain the natural beauty of your landscape responsibly.