Tree protection and high hedges

Tree protection

Trees in a Conservation Area (TCA)

Trees usually make an important contribution to the character of a Conservation Area and most are afforded special protection. They are protected if their trunk diameter is 75mm (approximately 3 inches) or more when measured at 1.5m above ground level.

See Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas (GOV.UK)

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

A TPO is an order made to protect certain trees which are important to a local area because of their intrinsic beauty, the special contribution they make to the landscape or street scene, or because of some other special quality, such as rarity or historic significance.

A TPO may cover any type of tree including single, group, woodland or hedgerow trees but not hedges, bushes or shrubs. The order will specify the location and species covered and the properties affected.

TPOs cannot be used to protect every tree in a neighbourhood nor stop approved building development or infrastructure improvements.

See A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures (GOV.UK)

Last updated 10 May 2023