Protected trees

Some trees are protected and must not be removed, pruned or cut without permission. This includes those:

• protected by a tree preservation order (TPO)
• in conservation areas
• on the Dulwich estate

Tree preservation order (TPO)

Trees that are an important part of the local environment are protected with a TPO.

A TPO can cover a single tree, groups of trees or entire woodlands. 

Hedgerows can be protected with a TPO, but not bushes, shrubs or climbers.

Our planning team must approve any pruning or other work on trees protected by a TPO. 

Read more about TPOs on GOV.UK.

Trees in conservation areas

Trees over a certain size are protected in conservation areas:

• standalone trees with a diameter of 7.5cm or more at a point 1.5m above the ground
• trees that are part of a group with a diameter of 10cm or more at a point 1.5m above the ground

Find out where conservation areas are in Southwark.

If you plan to prune or remove a tree that is protected in a conservation area, you need to give the council 6 weeks’ notice. 

Trees on the Dulwich estate

If you live in some parts of Dulwich, you may need permission from the Dulwich Estate before you work on a tree.

If your property is in the Dulwich area with one of the following postcodes, you need to contact the estate governors:

• SE19
• SE21
• SE22
• SE24
• SE26

To contact the estate governors:

• email info@thedulwichestate.org.uk 
• or write to The Old College, Gallery Road SE21 7AE

Protected trees map

Our conservation and TPO map shows you where all the protected trees are in Southwark.