Most areas have a blanket cover protecting trees from being felled or pruned. This is known as a conservation area or a tree protection order (TPO).

In a conservation area the cover extends to any tree above 7.5cm diameter at approx. 1.3m high and consent usually takes approximately 6 weeks from your local planning authority.

A TPO can be placed individually on a tree due to its significant amenity value. Any tree can be applied to have a TPO placed through the local LPA (meaning that trees you regularly pass in neighbouring property or fields can be retained for future generations to enjoy) and this gives the tree greater protection than in a conservation area. An application usually takes 8 weeks to go through the system.