Trees significantly enhance the beauty and environmental quality of Surrey’s landscapes. To safeguard these valuable natural assets, local authorities implement Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Understanding what a TPO entails and its implications for your property is essential for responsible tree management.
What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal instrument issued by a local planning authority, such as a borough or district council, to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands. The primary purpose of a TPO is to prevent the unauthorised felling, lopping, topping, uprooting, or wilful damage of trees that contribute significantly to the local environment and amenity.
How Does a TPO Affect My Trees?
If a tree on your property is subject to a TPO, it imposes certain responsibilities and restrictions:
- Prohibited Actions Without Consent: You must not cut down, uproot, top, lop, wilfully damage, or destroy the protected tree without obtaining formal permission from your local planning authority. Unauthorised work can lead to legal action and substantial fines.
- Application Process for Tree Works: To perform any work on a protected tree, you need to submit a formal application to your local council detailing the proposed activities. The council will assess the application to ensure the work is necessary and will not adversely affect the tree’s health or the area’s amenity.
- Exceptions: In specific circumstances, such as when a tree poses an immediate risk to safety, certain works may proceed without prior consent. However, it’s crucial to consult with the local authority to confirm whether an exception applies.
TPOs and Property Development
For homeowners considering property development or landscaping changes, it’s important to note that TPOs can influence planning decisions. Protected trees are a material consideration in the planning process, and proposed developments should account for their preservation. Engaging with the local planning authority early in the design process can help integrate tree protection measures effectively.
Local Guidance and Rules in Surrey
In Surrey, TPOs are administered by the respective borough or district councils. Each council provides specific guidelines and procedures for managing protected trees:
- Surrey Heath Borough Council: Emphasises that a TPO is issued to prevent important trees from being removed or pruned without formal permission. The council can protect individual trees, groups, defined areas, or woodlands. Surrey Heath Protected Trees
- Epsom and Ewell Borough Council: States that TPOs are made to protect important trees and woodlands, prohibiting actions like cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, or wilful damage without permission. Epsom and Ewell Tree Information
- Guildford Borough Council: Notes that TPOs make it illegal to work on protected trees without permission and can apply to various types of trees, including those forming hedgerows. Guildford Protected Trees
- Runnymede Borough Council: Provides an online mapping system to view TPOs within the council boundary. Runnymede TPO Mapping
For comprehensive information and assistance, homeowners are encouraged to contact their local council’s planning or tree officer. They can provide guidance on:
- Checking TPO Status: Confirm whether a tree on your property is protected by a TPO or located within a conservation area.
- Application Procedures: Understand the process for applying to carry out work on a protected tree, including necessary documentation and assessment criteria.
- Compliance and Enforcement: Learn about your responsibilities under a TPO and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
Where a Tree Surgeon can help with a TPO
South East Forestry and Tree Services, have extensive experience in dealing with TPO’s in Surrey . When we’re contacted by clients for various tree services including crown reduction and tree pruning we have to establish whether there may be a TPO for the trees. We have amassed a great deal of knowledge in handling the necessary rules and paperwork for trees with TPO’s in and around Surrey. Our office team is able to handle all of the paperwork where necessary and deal with the relevant local or county council.
Conclusion
Tree Preservation Orders play a vital role in conserving Surrey’s natural heritage by protecting trees that offer significant environmental and aesthetic value. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to be aware of any TPOs affecting your property and to adhere to local council guidelines when managing your trees. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of the region’s lush and vibrant landscapes for future generations. South East Forestry and Tree Services can help you with any regulations regarding PO’s and your trees, contact us today to see how we can help.