What are Tree Preservation Orders and how do they effect me?
Important and significant trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. Tree Preservation Orders can be placed on individual trees, groups of trees, areas or even whole woodlands. Trees are awarded TPO status based on a range of criteria, but primarily it is the contribution a tree makes to its surroundings and environment. Tree Preservation Orders make it unlawful to wilfully damage or destroy a tree, cut it down, uproot it, top it or lop it, or affect its roots, without the consent of South Gloucestershire Council. Penalties for infringements can be up to £20,000. If you need to undertake work to a tree with a TPO, even minor works such as pruning, you must obtain consent from South Gloucestershire Council before carrying out any work. If you live next to a property with a tree designated with a TPO then you cannot undertake any work to that tree, even if part of it crosses your boundary, without consent from South Gloucestershire Council and permission from the landowner.
