Trees in conservation areas

A tree with a trunk diameter of more than 75mm (measured at 1.5m above ground) is automatically protected under Section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 if it’s growing within a conservation area.

With a few exceptions, you’ll need to give us six weeks’ written notice before pruning or felling a tree that’s protected in a conservation area. You can find further advice in the links below.

Just as with Tree Preservation Orders, carrying out work on protected trees in a conservation area without notifying us first may lead to prosecution, with fines of up to £20,000 for each offence. In some cases, you may also be required to replace any trees that are felled.

So, before starting any tree work in a conservation area, please take a moment to check whether the tree is protected, and make sure you include all relevant information when you notify us of any upcoming work.