Tree Preservation Orders
Tree Preservation Orders
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a written Order made by the Council. It makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or wilfully destroy a tree protected by that Order, without our written consent.
The purpose of the Order is to protect trees that bring significant amenity to the local area. This includes where their removal would have a significant negative impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public.
A TPO can protect individual trees, groups of trees, woodlands, or trees within a specified area. All types, and ages of trees can be protected, including trees within hedgerows, but not normally hedges, bushes or shrubs.
What happens if you carry out works to a protected tree without permission
Anyone who contravenes an Order by damaging or carrying out work on a tree protected by an Order without getting permission from the Council is guilty of an offence. They may be fined unless certain specific exceptions apply.
There is also a duty requiring landowners to replace a tree removed, uprooted or destroyed in contravention of an Order.
Is the tree protected
To find out if a tree is protected by TPO, or is within a conservation area, please use our map. As new TPO’s may not yet have been updated on the map, contact us if you are in any doubt.
A search of the local land charges register can also be made to reveal the existence of an Order or whether the property is in a conservation area.
Specific trees in Point and Area TPOs are not detailed on the map but will be in the original TPO plan. If you would like a copy of the plan, email planningdc@sheffield.gov.uk with the TPO number (808/xxx). A £15 charge applies that you can pay through a secure link, which will be sent on request.
For further enquiries, please contact protectedtrees@sheffield.gov.uk.
Works that need permission
Apart from limited exceptions, our written consent is required before carrying out works to protected trees. This includes:
- removal of the tree
- lopping and topping of live branches
- the uprooting of trees
- or severance of the roots
If you remove or work on trees without permission, you may be prosecuted.
Exceptions
An exception may exempt landowners from the normal requirements to seek consent from us before carrying out works to protected trees.
A full list of exceptions can be found within government guidance GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and Trees in Conservation Areas.
If you are in any doubt about whether an exception may apply, then we recommend you contact us to discuss it. You may also wish to seek legal advice. Where an exception does not apply, anyone who contravenes an Order by damaging or carrying out work on a tree protected by an Order without getting permission from us first is guilty of an offence and may be fined.
For further information on what to do about dead or dangerous trees, see Giving notice to work on a dead or dangerous protected tree.