A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) can protect trees and woodlands that have a significant impact on the local environment. A TPO is designed to safeguard trees against cutting down, destruction, or carrying out of inappropriate works.
Important trees in Hillingdon (PDF, 886 KB)
Many trees in Hillingdon are also protected by virtue of their location within a conservation area, which are areas of special architectural or historical interest.
Search for a protected tree
Request a copy of an existing TPO
To request a copy of an existing Tree Preservation Order, email trees@hillingdon.gov.uk.
Applying to work on a protected tree
Before cutting down or carrying out work to any trees protected by a TPO, you will need our consent,
Some work is exempt from the application process and this is explained in pages 3 and 4 of our TPO Guidance - Protected trees (PDF, 56 KB).
Anyone can apply for consent, and a person can apply to carry out work on trees that are situated in a neighbour's property. However, if the work involves pruning past the boundary line, the owner's permission would have to be obtained before carrying out work to the tree.
You can use our Planning Portal or download the form and guidance notes below.
Please note: When filling out the application form, it is important to:
- identify the trees to which the application relates and by reference to a plan if necessary
- set out clearly what work is proposed
- state the reasons for making the application.
What happens next?
We will check that the tree in question is protected by a TPO. If it is, you will receive acknowledgement. If we decide the proposed work is exempt (and, therefore, does not require consent), you will be informed as soon as possible.
If the proposed work is not exempt, we will consider:
- the physical value of the tree or woodland, and the likely impact of the proposal on the amenity of the area
- the long-term health of the tree and whether or not the proposal is justified having regard to the reasons put forward in support of it.
In dealing with your application, we will either:
- grant consent (subject to such conditions)
- not grant consent
- reach a split decision.
For example, consent may be granted for the felling of a tree on the condition that a replacement is planted. The applicant retains a right of appeal against any part of an application that is refused or against any conditions attached to the decision. If any application is refused, the council may at the same time recommend alternative works to the tree(s).
If the applicant wishs to carry out these alternate works, a new application would be required. All consents are valid for 2 years from the date of that consent, unless otherwise stated in the conditions. After the expiry of the time limit, a further application for consent would have to be made. We will usually try and reach a decision on an application within 8 weeks of receiving it.
Who should carry out the works?
If the approved works are not carried out in accordance with the conditions laid out in your approval, enforcement action can being taken, which can lead to prosecution and heavy fines.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that the approved works should only be carried out by a professional and competent arboriculturist who undertakes to comply with the conditions of your consent and in accordance with industry best practice.
You may wish to contact the Arboricultural Association for a list of their approved contractors.
What do I do if I disagree with the council's decision?
If consent is refused, you will be given reasons for this decision and advice as to what steps you could take next. If this is the case, you would have a right to appeal, and would need to do so in writing to the planning inspectorate within 28 days of receiving the council's decision letter.