TPO & Conservation Area Tree Work
Tree Work for TPO & Conservation Area Trees
Qualified, fully insured arborists specialising in tree surgery for protected trees. We provide clear advice, manage the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and Conservation Area application process, and carry out approved works safely, legally and professionally across Essex and surrounding areas.
What Is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal protection placed on a specific tree, group of trees, or woodland by the local council.
Its purpose is to protect trees that provide public benefit, such as visual amenity, historical value, or environmental importance.
If a tree has a TPO, you cannot cut, prune, reduce, or remove it without permission from the local authority, even if the tree is on your own property.
What Is a Conservation Area?
A Conservation Area is a designated area protected by the council due to its architectural, historical, or environmental significance.
In Conservation Areas, most trees are protected automatically, even if they do not have an individual TPO.
If your property is within a Conservation Area, you usually must notify the council before carrying out work on trees above a certain size.
Specialist Tree Services for Protected Trees
Tree work involving TPOs and Conservation Areas can be confusing and stressful for homeowners. We take care of the entire process — from assessment and advice, through to applications, permissions and professional execution — ensuring all work is compliant, justified and carried out to best practice standards.
Carrying out unauthorised work on protected trees can lead to enforcement action. We ensure all work is properly assessed, justified and compliant before any cutting takes place.

TPO & Conservation Area Advice
Clear, honest guidance on whether your tree is protected, what work may be permitted, and how to proceed legally — explained in plain, practical terms.

Tree Safety & Condition Assessments
Professional inspections to assess tree health, structure, defects and risk. These assessments often form the basis for recommended works on protected trees.

Application & Submission Management
We handle the preparation and submission of TPO applications and Conservation Area notifications, including clear descriptions of proposed works and supporting information.

Specification of Appropriate Works
Expert recommendations on pruning, reductions or removals that balance safety, tree health and local authority expectations.

Approved Pruning & Crown Reductions
Carefully controlled pruning and crown reductions carried out in line with granted permissions, British Standards and arboricultural best practice.

Tree Removal (Where Permitted)
Professional dismantling and removal of protected trees where consent has been granted or exemptions apply, with safety and site protection as priorities.
How the TPO Application Process Works
1.The tree is assessed to understand its condition, safety, and any issues.
2.An application is submitted to the local council describing the proposed work and the reasons for it.
3.The council reviews the application, often consulting their tree officer.
4.A decision is issued approving, refusing, or modifying the proposed works.
This process typically takes up to 8 weeks, and no work can begin until permission is granted unless an exemption applies.
How the Conservation Area Notification Process Works
- The tree and proposed works are assessed.
- A formal six-week notification is submitted to the council outlining the intended work.
- During this period, the council can:
- Allow the work to proceed, or
- Place a Tree Preservation Order on the tree.
- If no response is issued within six weeks, the work may usually proceed as notified.
This process ensures the council has the opportunity to protect trees that contribute to the character of the area.





