Protected trees & hedges
Summary
The different ways trees are protected, how to find out if your trees are protected, how to apply to prune or fell protected trees and the procedure for removing hedgerows. There is also advice, plus a form to download below, on how to get a tree protected by a new Tree Preservation Order (TPO). But make sure you read the notes below before filling out the form.
Choose a question from the list of the most frequent we are asked, and go straight to the answer.
Downloads
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Download the Tree Preservation Order suggestion form [PDF, 26 Kb]
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need permission to work on my trees?
- What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
- Is there a Tree Preservation Order on my tree?
- What is a Conservation Area?
- Is my tree in a Conservation Area?
- Will the Council pay for my protected trees to be pruned?
- I think my tree is dead, can I remove it?
- How do I get a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order?
- What is a felling licence and do I need one?
- Can I remove my hedge?
- Can I get a grant for tree/hedge planting?
Do I need permission to work on my trees?
- Yes, if your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, or ‘TPO’. If the trees are in a Conservation Area, you need to formally notify us about the work you want to carry out (see form No. 15 Application for Tree Works on our Printable planning application forms page).
- Possibly, if the trees are on the site of a development that took place within the last five years. Work to the trees may be restricted by the planning permission granted for that development. Before doing anything, you will need to contact us to check.
- If there are many trees to be felled and they are not part of a garden, then you may need a Forestry Commission Felling Licence.
What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A Tree Preservation order (TPO) is a special form of control that applies to certain trees. TPOs are almost always used to protect trees that are visually significant and can be seen from a public place, so that they contribute to the look of a place.
It is illegal to cut down, prune, or damage a tree that is protected by a TPO without the Council’s consent. The unauthorised lopping or felling of such a tree is a serious criminal offence and can result in a fine of up to £20,000. TPOs are made when trees which fall into the categories mentioned above are under threat of being cut down or damaged.
Is there a Tree Preservation Order on my tree?
Contact us with an address for the tree and we can search the records to tell you the answer. If the tree is protected in this way, then you will need to complete an application to carry out the work (see form No. 15 Application for Tree Works on our Printable planning application forms page), or write giving details of the location and the work you want to carry out. We usually deal with applications within eight weeks.
What is a Conservation Area?
A Conservation Area is one of special architectural or historic interest. Trees often make an important contribution to the appearance of Conservation Areas and so are given special protection. If you live in a Conservation Area, you must give us formal 'notice of intention' before carrying out any work to trees. The penalties for unauthorised lopping of trees in Conservation Areas are the same as for trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders.
Is my tree in a Conservation Area?
We must be notified before any work to trees is carried out in a Conservation Area. Contact us with an address for the tree and we can search our records to tell you the answer. If the tree is in a Conservation Area and is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order, then before you carry out any work you need to complete a Notice of Intention to carry out work to tree(s) in a Conservation Area, or write giving the location of the tree and details of the proposed work.
We have six weeks from receiving the Notice to decide whether to allow the work to go ahead, or serve a Tree Preservation Order to prevent it.
Will the Council pay for my protected trees to be pruned?
We offer a grant to help with work required to maintain trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order. This is offered through the Community Environmental Grants scheme. A maximum of 40% of the cost may be given. Two quotes are required and funds are limited on an annual basis. For guidance and an application form see our page on Grants for work to trees protected by TPOs.
I think my tree is dead, can I remove it?
Any protected tree that is dead, dying or dangerous can be removed without the need to apply for permission. However, the responsibility of proof rests with you. If you plan to remove such a tree, it is a good idea to contact us as soon as possible, so that we may carry out a site visit. It is also advisable to take photographs to show the problems with the tree.
How do I get a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order?
The tree needs to be under threat or at least very special – we do not usually serve Orders unless this is the case. Trees protected in this way should be visually significant when seen from a public place. We need information about the species, location, condition, any special history and why you think the Order is needed. This information needs to be sent in writing to the Landscape Officer for consideration. You can download a form for a proposed TPO [PDF, 25k ], or write to the address given below.
What is a Felling licence and do I need one?
If the site is NOT a garden and there are many trees to be felled, then you may need a Forestry Commission Felling Licence. Contact the Forestry Commission Regional Office at Tangham, Woodbridge 01394 450214 or visit their website.
Can I remove my hedge?
Only if it is within or forms the boundary of a garden and not protected by a condition of planning permission. Most other hedges are protected by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 and formal notice must be given to us in writing. We then have six weeks from receiving the notice to prevent the work if this is considered necessary, by serving a Hedgerow Retention Notice.
For the form please see our Prinatble planning application forms page.
Please contact the Landscape Officer for further information. For more on hedges and your property, please visit Trees, hedges & your property.
Can I get a grant for tree/hedge planting?
If the planting is required by a planning permission, there is no funding available. There are some grants for private landowners, available from Norfolk County Council Countryside Team. Visit their Countryside conservation web pages [external link] or call 01603 222770.
The Forestry Commission have schemes for woodland and forest planting - telephone 01394 450214.
We provide trees and hedging for planting during National Tree Week by Parish Tree Wardens in their own communities.
Related pages on this website
External links
Forestry Commission
The Grants and Licenses section of the Forestry Commission website, where you can find out more about Felling Licenses.
Norfolk County Council: countryside conservation
Countryside conservation section of the Norfolk County Council website, with links to details of grants for landowners and farmers for restoring countryside features or adding new ones.
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Conservation and Landscape Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | planning@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| freephone: | 0808 168 3000 |
| telephone: | 01508 533818 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk Council South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
