Tree works can include pruning, crown reduction, crown lifting, pollarding, branch removal, felling or other works to trees. Not every tree needs a planning application, but some trees are legally protected and must not be worked on without the correct consent or notice.

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Tree works may need council involvement where:

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• The tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order, often called a TPO

• The tree is within a conservation area

• The tree is affected by a planning condition

• The tree forms part of a wider planning application

• The tree is close to a proposed extension, outbuilding or driveway

• The works may affect the appearance of the street, garden or wider area

• The council needs proper information before it can assess the proposed works

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A Tree Preservation Order can protect individual trees, groups of trees or woodland, and it can prevent works such as cutting down, topping, lopping, uprooting, wilful damage or destruction without consent.

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Where a tree is in a conservation area but is not protected by a TPO, a section 211 notice is usually required before works are carried out. The local planning authority normally needs to be notified six weeks before the proposed work starts.

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Ask PAS About Tree Works Plans and Application Support

 

Tree works applications need to explain clearly which tree is affected, what work is proposed and why the work is needed.

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Planning Application Services (PAS) can help prepare a clear tree works application package so the council can understand the proposal properly.

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PAS can help with information such as:

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• Identifying the property and site

• Locating the tree or trees on a plan

• Preparing a site location plan

• Preparing a block plan or marked-up tree plan

• Providing photos of the tree and surrounding area

• Describing the proposed tree works

• Explaining why the works are being requested

• Helping distinguish between TPO applications and conservation area notices

• Preparing supporting notes for the council

• Submitting or supporting the application process

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Tree works applications may relate to:

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• Crown reduction

• Crown thinning

• Crown lifting

• Branch removal

• Pollarding

• Felling

• Deadwood removal

• Trees causing damage or concern

• Trees close to buildings

• Trees close to boundaries

• Trees affected by proposed building work

• Trees in front gardens, rear gardens or shared areas

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What a Tree Works Application Package May Include

 

The exact information depends on the tree, the site and the type of works proposed, but a typical package may include:

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• Site location plan

• Block plan or garden layout

• Marked-up tree position plan

• Clear photographs of the tree

• Photos showing nearby buildings, boundaries or site constraints

• Description of the proposed works

• Reason for the proposed works

• Details of the tree species where known

• Notes on whether the tree is protected by a TPO or in a conservation area

• Supporting information from a tree surgeon or arboriculturist where needed

• Application or notice submission support

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A clear package helps avoid confusion, especially where there is more than one tree on site or where the proposed works need to be carefully explained.

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Why Professional Support Helps

 

Tree works can look simple, but the planning position can be serious if the tree is protected.

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Professional support can help you avoid:

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• Carrying out works before checking whether consent is needed

• Confusing normal garden maintenance with protected tree works

• Submitting unclear photos or descriptions

• Failing to identify the correct tree

• Using vague terms such as “cut back” without enough detail

• Missing the difference between a TPO application and a conservation area notice

• Delays caused by council requests for clearer information

• Problems where tree works are connected to a wider building project

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Where specialist tree condition advice is needed, PAS can help identify what information may be required from a tree surgeon or arboricultural consultant.

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Full-Service Support from PAS

 

PAS can support tree works applications as a standalone service or as part of a wider home improvement, planning or design project.

This may include:

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• Initial project review

• Tree works application support

• Conservation area tree notice support

• TPO application support

• Plans and marked-up drawings

• Photo schedule preparation

• Supporting notes for the council

• Help responding to council queries

• Coordination with tree surgeons or arboricultural consultants where needed

• Planning support where tree works relate to extensions, driveways, garden buildings or development proposals

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Tree works should be checked carefully before anything is cut, reduced or removed. Getting the plans, photos and application information right can make the process clearer and reduce the risk of avoidable problems.

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Get expert help with your tree works application

 

Whether you need tree works plans, marked-up drawings, photos, a TPO application, a conservation area tree notice or wider planning support, Planning Application Services (PAS) can help you understand what is needed and provide a clear quote for the right level of support.

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Tell us what you are planning, send any photos, sketches or existing drawings you have, and we can advise on the next steps.