Trees and hedgerows

Certain trees and woodlands in the Broads are protected by Tree Preservation Orders or because they grow in a Conservation Area.

What is a Tree Preservation Order?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) can be made by a planning authority on individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands. They are made if removal or changes would have a significant impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public.

The principal effect of a TPO is to prohibit the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, willful damage or destruction of trees. You can contact us to find out if a tree is protected by a TPO

Trees in Conservation Areas

You must apply to us (see below) for any proposed pruning or felling of trees in a designated Conservation Area. This applies to trees that have a stem diameter greater than 75mm when measured at a height of 1.5m. We will then determine whether the works would be sufficiently harmful to public amenity and/or the character of the Conservation Area to warrant making a TPO.

Forestry Commission

Felling of  trees which are not in a Conservation Area or subject to a TPO may still require a Felling License from the Forestry Commission. Failure to fell under a proper license is an offence subject to a penalty, please see the Forestry Commission website.

How to apply to undertake work on a protected tree or hedgerow

Download the application form for works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order and notification of proposed works to trees in Conservation Areas.

Download the application form for hedgerow removal notice.

You can also download the application form guidance.

There is a maximum period of determination of six weeks for Conservation Area tree and hedgerow enquiries and eight weeks for TPOs.