Do I Need Council Permission to Remove a Tree?

Checks before any cutting

In England, the status of the individual tree and site must be checked. A Tree Preservation Order, conservation area, planning condition, tenancy or ownership arrangement can affect what may proceed. Wildlife law applies separately. A contractor should not give a definite answer about permission without checking the address, tree and proposed work.

• Check the individual tree and address with the relevant local planning authority.
• Written consent may be needed for a Tree Preservation Order; conservation-area work follows a notice process.
• Ownership, tenancy, planning conditions and active wildlife can create separate restrictions.

TPOs and conservation areas

Work to a protected tree normally needs the local planning authority’s written consent. For qualifying trees in a conservation area, the authority is generally given six weeks’ notice, subject to the legislation and exemptions. Emergency or dead-tree provisions are specific and evidence may be needed, so contact the relevant authority or obtain professional advice before acting.

How James David Forestry Ltd can help

James David Forestry Ltd works across Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral, Ormskirk and Lancashire. We assess the actual tree, access and surroundings before recommending work. Clear photographs can be useful for initial guidance, but some questions need a site visit and we will not diagnose a dangerous or diseased tree from website information alone.