Tree Preservation Orders
What is a Tree Preservation Order
If you deliberately destroy a protected tree, or damage it in a manner likely to destroy it, you could be fined up to £20,000 if convicted in a Magistrates court. For other offences you can be fined up to £2,500. Furthermore, you will normally have to plant a new tree if the tree was cut down or destroyed.
Trees are an important part of our heritage and environment. There are many benefits of trees and Sandwell Council has the power to make Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to control the work which is undertaken to trees that make an important contribution to the local area. Additionally, trees which fall within Conservation Areas have a level of protection similar to trees which are covered by a TPO.
Please see Trees in Conservation Areas for further information.
In some circumstances it may also be necessary to obtain a felling licence from the Forestry Commission before felling trees. If you plan to fell trees that are not in a residential garden you should also refer to the Forestry Commission website for information on Felling Licences.
If you are aware of trees in danger of being destroyed, which you feel are worth protecting, you can ask the Authority to consider making an Order. For information of all existing orders please contact us via email.
Make an application to carry work to a TPO. Details of process can be found here.
To make an enquiry to have a tree preserved by TPO please provide the following details:-
- Plan
- Photographs
- Reason why you think it merits protection
Email address: planning@sandwell.gov.uk