How Do I Know If My Tree Is Protected?

Tree works cannot be carried out on every tree. Some trees are legally protected due to the amenity value they provide to the local area, and written consent is required to prune or remove these trees. When you purchase a new property, you may also be purchasing a protected tree. If you suspect you may have a protected tree on your property or live in a Conservation Area, it’s important to find out for certain whether consent is required to undertake pruning work or tree removal. Failing to do so could see you face prosecution.

In this article, we explain how you can find out whether your tree is protected.

What is a protected tree?

Some trees are protected with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or fall under Conservation Area protection. A Tree Preservation Order is a written order which states that it is a criminal offence to to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a protected tree without the permission of the relevant authorities.

If you are found guilty of breaching a Tree Preservation Order, you may be taken to the Crown Court to receive an unlimited fine.

> Read more in our ‘What are Tree Preservation Orders’ article.

How can I find out if my tree is protected?

You must find out whether your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order before starting any work on it. There are a few ways to find out.

  • Local authority maps

Your local authority may have a map available to view trees that are currently under Tree Preservation Orders or are in a Conservation Area. If you are unable to find this map, simply contact your local authority and they should be able to inform you further.

  • Government maps

Government maps will detail national sites protected by particular preservation laws. These include Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

  • Inventories for ancient wood and ancient trees

Many older trees have a degree of protection through planning policy. You can check which of these trees are protected by checking the Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) and Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). The AWI shows all of the areas of ancient woodland currently designated by the statutory nature conservation bodies. The ATI shows important ancient trees that are protected for their historic significance.

  • Conservation Area

If you live in a Conservation Area you must notify your Local Planning Authority with details of works you wish to carry out on any tree. The LPA then has 6 weeks to put a Tree Preservation Order on that tree/s or give you permission to carry out the work.

How do I obtain permission to work on a protected tree?

If you are in possession of a protected tree and wish to alter it in some way, you must apply for a permit. You must make a ‘works to trees’ application to your local authority and they will decide whether to grant you authority to work on the tree. 

 

Artemis Tree Services are experienced, award-winning contractors working throughout North London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We offer a free site visit and survey to assess your tree and offer help and advice regarding the type of work that can and should be carried out on your tree. As experts, we’re always happy to answer any queries you might have about the trees on your property.

Book a free site survey today or contact our team.

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Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

22 hours ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

2 weeks ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

1 month ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

1 month ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

2 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

2 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

2 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

2 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

3 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

4 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

4 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

5 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

6 months ago

Blake Lewis

The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.... The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.

6 months ago

Jo

Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the ar... Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the area tidy. Work carried out: Removal of deadwood

8 months ago

Savas Sivetidis

Good service all round, polite and efficient....

9 months ago

Declan McManus

Efficient, tidy and courteous service - I have used Artemis on a number of occasions and cannot think of any reason to change....

10 months ago

Gaby

Excellent service with polite considerate operators...

10 months ago

Anonymous

very professional, knowledgeable company. where able to provide advice and options as to needed to be done. Clean, tidy and polite...

10 months ago

John

Very professional We have used them a few times and would not go anywhere else...

10 months ago

Francis Emmanuel

This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with ... This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with what was suitable, scheduling of the work, the tree work itself, the disposal of the felled tree and invoicing. Very pleasant, smart, tidy and courteous.

10 months ago