What You Need to Know About Surveys, Conservation Areas & TPOs
Caring for trees is about more than good pruning and regular maintenance—it also involves understanding the legal protections and planning requirements that influence what you can and cannot do. In the UK, many trees fall under specific planning controls, especially in Conservation Areas or where a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is in place. If you’re considering tree work on your property, it’s essential to ensure everything is done correctly and lawfully.
At Arborscape Environmental Services, we guide clients through the entire process—from professional inspection to liaising with the local authority—ensuring your trees are managed safely, responsibly, and fully in line with UK planning law.
Tree Inspections: Why They Matter
Before any tree work begins, a proper inspection is crucial. A qualified arborist assesses the tree’s health, structure, safety, and suitability for planned work. Tree inspections may be required for several reasons, including:
- Safety assessments for dead, diseased, or dangerous trees
- Mortgage and insurance reports
- Planning application support
- Survey to BS5837
- Pre-development site assessments
- Regular duty-of-care inspections for homeowners or landowners
During an inspection, Arborscape’s trained arborists review structural integrity, fungal issues, pest activity, previous pruning, potential hazards, and overall tree health. This report forms the basis of any planning application where permissions are required.
Trees in Conservation Areas
If your property is located within a Conservation Area, UK planning law requires you to notify the local authority before carrying out most forms of tree work. This includes pruning, crown reduction, or felling.
The 6-Week Notice Rule
You must give the council a minimum of six weeks’ written notice before carrying out any work. This allows the authority time to assess whether the tree should be protected by a TPO.
Are All Trees Covered?
Generally, any tree with a stem diameter of 75mm or more at 1.5m above ground level is protected. Smaller ornamental shrubs are usually exempt.
How Arborscape Helps
We handle the entire notification process on your behalf, ensuring:
- Correct paperwork is submitted
- Clear explanations of the proposed work are included
- Supporting survey information is provided
- The process complies with all local authority expectations
This prevents delays, refusals, or misunderstandings with planning departments.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
A Tree Preservation Order is a legal protection placed on individual trees, groups of trees, or woodlands. If a tree is protected by a TPO, it is an offence to:
- Prune
- Cut roots
- Damage
- Uproot
- Fell
…without written consent from the local planning authority.
When You Need Permission
For TPO-protected trees, all work—whether minor pruning or full removal—must be approved. The only exception is emergency work where a tree presents an immediate danger, and even then, evidence must be supplied afterwards.
TPO Applications with Arborscape
We prepare and submit complete TPO applications, including:
- Detailed arboricultural assessments
- Photographs and measurements
- Justification for the work
- Plans or sketches where required
- Risk assessments or evidence of defects
A poorly prepared application can result in delays or refusal; our professional documentation ensures the process is smooth and supported by clear arboricultural reasoning.
Planning Applications for Tree Work
Whether your tree falls under a TPO, lies within a Conservation Area, or is part of a development site, Arborscape manages all tree-related planning requirements, including:
- Section 211 notifications for Conservation Areas
- Full TPO applications
- Impact assessments and method statements
- Arboricultural reports for domestic or commercial projects
We act as your liaison with the council, providing all technical details needed to achieve approval.
Why Choose Arborscape Tree Services?
- Fully qualified and insured arborists
- Extensive experience working with local authorities
- Clear, accurate reporting
- End-to-end handling of all paperwork and planning processes
- Honest advice and transparent communication
Working with protected trees doesn’t have to be complicated. With professional guidance, the process becomes straightforward—and ensures your trees are managed legally, safely, and responsibly.
Need Help with Tree Inspections, TPO Applications, or Conservation Area Notices?
Whether you’re planning routine maintenance, concerned about tree safety, or starting a development project, Arborscape Tree Services is here to assist.
Contact us today for expert inspections, planning applications, and legally compliant tree work across your local area.
