Trees

Trees that are subject to a Tree Preservation Orders or are located in a conservation area benefit from extra protection. 

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

Works to trees that are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) will require permission from the council. This includes works to fell, prune, reduce or lift its crown.

You can view more information about TPOs ^{(PDF, 120kb)}, including:

• full details on Tree Preservation Orders, including which trees are protected and how to carry out works to trees
• applying for TPO permission

Trees in conservation areas

Trees within a conservation area are given special protection and there's a presumption in favour of protecting those which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Anyone wishing to fell, top or lop a tree with a trunk over 75 mm in diameter (measured 1.5 metres above the ground) must provide the council six weeks written notice of the work. This is to allow us time to assess the impact of the proposal on the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Notify the council of proposed works to a tree in a Conservation area ^{(PDF, 834kb)}.

Southwark protected tree map

You can find out if a property has any trees that benefit from a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), or if they are located within a conservation area, using the Southwark conservation and tree preservation orders (TPO) map.

You can use the TPO link on the map to see a scan of the Tree Preservation Order itself.

Need more information?

View government guidance on TPOs and works to trees in conservation areas.

Page last updated: 04 April 2023