Home Environment and planning Conservation and sustainability Apply for permission to work on a protected tree Some trees are protected by tree preservation orders (TPOs) or because they are in a conservation area. TPOs are made to protect trees that contribute to the amenity of the area. You need to apply for permission before any works are carried out to a protected tree including minor pruning. If you wish to carry out works to a tree, contact the planning department of your local district or borough council who will tell you if the tree is protected by a TPO or located in a conservation area.Find your local councilHow to applyYou can apply for permission to carry out works to a protected tree through the Planning Portal. The first step is to download an application form and guidance notes.Download application for tree worksWhen completing your application you will need to:state clearly what work you propose to doprovide a sketch plan showing the location of the tree(s)provide information or evidence to support your requestYou can then submit your application online via the Planning Portal. You'll need to be registered to use this facility.Submit your application onlineIf you are removing a tree, you may need to plant a replacement tree.We advise any work to trees is done by a qualified and insured tree-work contractor.A list of approved contractors is available from the Arboricultural AssociationYou can also look for tree-work contractors in the Yellow Pages or local trade directories.ExemptionsYou may not require permission to carry out works to a protected tree if:the tree is deadthe tree is dangerousworks are necessary to implement an approved planning applicationworks are necessary to prevent or resolve a tree nuisanceworks are in compliance with obligations under an Act of ParliamentIt’s the responsibility of the person carrying out the works to prove that an exemption applies.They will also need to give the Local Planning Authority notice in writing of at least 5 days before any work starts.If you are unsure about exemptions, contact us:Landscape OfficerLeicestershire County CouncilTel: 0116 305 7061FinesYou could be liable to a fine if youcarry out work on a protected tree without permissiondeliberately destroy a protected treedamage a protected tree in a manner likely to destroy itThe Local Planning Authority is responsible for enforcing tree protection offences. Help us improve this page Hide content Was this page helpful? Yes It was helpful, but Please select a reasonthere's a broken link it's hard to understand it's incorrect it's outdated it's too long Other No Please select a reasonit didn't answer my question it's not detailed enough it's hard to understand it's incorrect it's outdated it's too long Other Details Email address We’ll only use this to ask for more detail if we need to.