A tree preservation order (TPO) is an order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in the interests of public amenity (more generic restrictions apply to trees growing within a conservation area). With limited exceptions, owners must not carry out, or cause or permit the carrying out of works to protected trees without the written consent of the local authority. Over time, the condition of a protected tree may deteriorate or it might outgrow its situation such that its pruning or removal is required. Symbiosis can assist owners of trees protected by a tree preservation order or growing within a conservation area in the following ways:
- Preparation and submission of objections to the imposition of tree preservation orders (must be submitted within 28 days of the serving of the order).
- Specification of proposed works and the preparation and submission of consent applications to undertake works on trees protected by preservation order, or Section 211 notifications in the case of unprotected trees growing within a conservation area
- Preparation and submission of appeals against the refusal of consent to undertake works to protected trees, the conditions attached to such a consent, the non-determination of an application or the serving of a tree replacement notice (TRN)
