Tree surgery questions

Normally, unless a Woodland TPO is proposed, only trees over 3.5m in height are considered for a TPO. Hedges, bushes and shrubs will not be protected. A Woodland TPO protects all trees within the defined area, including natural regeneration - seedlings and saplings ie. trees less than 3.5m in height are not excluded.

If you wish to carry out works to protected trees you must first seek the Department’s consent to do so by contacting the Tree Officer in your local Planning Office.

Most trees will cause no damage to buildings, although the roots of certain trees can spread up to 3 times the height of the tree. Subsidence could be an issue and is made worse in dry years. Buildings of up to 4 storeys built before the 1950s often have shallow foundations.

Roots may block drains and branches can cause damage to guttering and roofs. During periods of drought tree roots will draw up all available water and dry out the soil to cause cracking and possible subsidence. Regular tree management can elevate these potential problems.

All trees will benefit from regular pruning, usually when the tree is dormant in Winter or late Summer depending on the tree. Where space is tight and the tree is large, this is a job for experts and should not be attempted without due consideration for nearby buildings.

A TPO is made by a Local Planning Authority to protect specific trees or a particular area, group or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction. A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a part of town and country planning in the United Kingdom. A TPO is made by a Local Planning Authority (usually a local council) to protect specific trees or a particular area, group or woodland from deliberate damage and destruction.