Protected trees

You will need to apply to the council, if trees are protected by conservation area or tree preservation order:

Apply to work on a protected tree on the Planning Portal 

How to complete an application

A tree work application form must include the following:

• clear identification of the trees including a sketch or digital plan
• accurate objective descriptions of the works requested, including measurements in metres 
• reasons and justifications for the proposed works
• supporting evidence where claims of possible subsidence are involved
• supporting evidence in the form of written advice from an appropriate expert or diagnostic information if there are fears the tree is diseased or may break and fall

Supplying good quality photographs of the trees referenced in applications can help officers make a decision and speed up the determination process. 

Follow the Planning Portal guidance notes (PDF) to help you complete the form.  

We also offer a pre-application service to help you with tree work application forms.

In certain circumstances, removing trees may also need a Felling Licence from the Forestry Commission, see Tree feeling licence: when you need to apply on GOV.UK.

For a tree work application to be registered and valid, it must have all the necessary and correct information. An invalid application or notification will not be processed until it is corrected.