We frequently encounter customers wanting work done on a tree but in the course of our quoting process find the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

TPOs are usually put in place by a local planning authority (or local council) to protect a tree from deliberate damage. Felling, lopping, topping or uprooting could all be considered damage. TPOs are most commonly applied to trees in an urban or semi-urban setting that enhance their environment or have a nature conservation value.

Owners of protected trees are not permitted, by law, to carry out any work on the tree without the written consent of the local authority. Tree owners however are responsible for maintaining their tree which can occasionally lead to a conundrum. To find out more about TPOs read more here.

One of our customers in Bracknell wanted to cut back a tall Oak tree that was threatening to damage their house roof and was growing alarmingly close to phone lines. They hoped to cut back the tree by 4metres but found it was covered by a TPO and permission for the work was denied by their local council.

However, as the tree branches were touching the roof of their house, the owners were entitled to cut back a minimal amount to prevent the tree damaging their property. An agreement was reached with the local authority whereby the owners were allowed to minimally prune the offending branches and remove any major deadwood to create a clearance of 1.5 metres to the property. By complying to the conditions set by the council, Artemis was able to reduce the tree and avoid any damage to the house roof or phone lines.

To find out if your tree might be protected read more here. View our before and after photos from this case study below:

Before pruning – branches are growing into the house roof

After pruning – branches are clear of the property