Tree Preservation Orders The council protects trees that are considered to be an important feature of the local environment by designating them with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). This means that any pruning or other work done to the tree must be agreed by one of the council's Tree Officers before any work is carried out. Here are some of the questions we are commonly asked about TPO's.
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
A TPO is an order made by us, giving legal protection to either single trees, groups of trees or woodland areas. By law, trees with a TPO cannot be cut down, uprooted, lopped or topped, and no part of the tree, including it's roots can be wilfully damaged or destroyed without first gaining permission from Southwark's tree officers.
What types of trees can be covered by a TPO?
Anything that would normally be called a tree, including fruit trees, may be covered by a TPO. There is no minimum size but bushes and shrubs cannot be covered by a TPO.
What makes a tree special enough to qualify for a TPO?
Trees are protected because they contribute to the public's enjoyment of the local environment. This may be because the tree is particularly beautiful or is of a rare species. It may simply be because there are very few trees in the area or because it serves to screen an eyesore. Trees within a conservation area may be protected if it is felt they contribute to the character of the area.
How can I find out if a tree is protected by a TPO?
If you have a query in relation to this, please phone the council on 0207 525 2000.
What should I do if I want to carry out work on a protected tree?
Please complete the application for tree works form (pdf 340kb), for permission to carry out any works on a protected tree. Or you can contact us using the details at the bottom of this page.
To view the form you will need Adobe Acrobat.
How long will it take to get permission?
We will write to you to tell you our decision within eight weeks. If the tree is within a conservation area you will hear from us within six weeks.
What should I do if I'm not happy about your decision?
You can appeal against our decision. We will enclose information about how to do this when we send you our decision.
Do I need permission to do emergency work?
If a protected tree is dead, dying or causing a danger then the normal process is waived, but you must give the council five days notice of your intention to carry out the work.
If the tree is causing an immediate danger, for example, it is about to fall and could cause damage or injury, then you can carry out work without giving notice. However, we strongly advise you to collect evidence as the council will require you to provide proof at a later date that the tree was either dead, dying or causing a danger. The proof should include either photographs, a tree surgeons report and/or independent witness statements.
How do I get a tree protected?
Anyone who wants the council to give a TPO should contact the tree section and state the reasons why it is important to protect a particular tree. We will consider requests against three main criteria:
- The tree's particular importance in terms of size, form, rarity, screening value or contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area
- The significance of the tree(s) in their local surrounding and wider impact on the environment
- We can also give a TPO as a precautionary measure if there is reason to believe the tree could be at risk in the future.
We do not normally consider it necessary to make TPO's for tress which are under a recognised tree management programme, such as trees managed by the Tree Section or woodland managed by other organisations on our behalf (e.g. Sydenham Hill Woods).
Can I comment on an application?
Yes. The tree section usually consults with adjacent owners or occupiers on applications and gives them 28 days to respond.
What can I do if a tree is damaged without permission?
Call Southwark's 24 hour environmental call centre straight away on 020 7525 2000. The telephonist will notify the duty Tree Officer.
If, without putting yourself at risk, you are able to obtain information such as photographs or details of the contractor, this will help the council in any enforcement action.
What happens if a protected tree is damaged or destroyed without permission?
It is an offence to work on a protected tree in Southwark without permission from Southwark's tree section. If a protected tree is damaged or destroyed without permission, the owner or person carrying out the work may be prosecuted and fined up to £20,000 and a replacement tree will also have to be planted.
Can I get compensation if a protected tree damages my property?
The responsibility for the maintenance and care of trees rests with the owner. If a tree is causing damage to your property, the tree's owner is liable for any claims for compensation and you should contact them directly.
If a tree is causing damage to your property and is owned by Southwark you can seek compensation from us. You must contact your own insurance company who will in turn provide arboricultural evidence about a particular tree as well as structural evidence of building damage in support of any potential claim. Click here for more general information about claiming for damage caused by street trees.
Contact us
Tree Section
Tel: 020 7525 2000 (24 hours)
environment@southwark.gov.uk
151 Walworth Road
London SE17 1RY
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