Property owner incurs £20,000 penalty for pruning garden tree - legal advisors offer tips to prevent similar penalties
In the UK, homeowners need to be aware of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) when it comes to their gardens and properties. These orders, issued by the Local Planning Authority or members of the public, protect trees, areas, or woodland with environmental or historical importance.
If a tree is covered by a TPO, permission from the Local Planning Authority is required before pruning, cutting back, or removing it. Limited pruning may be allowed for reasonable maintenance, safety, or the health of the tree, but it's important to always check the status of a tree before taking any action to avoid fines.
Recently, homeowners in Stockport and Newport have learned the hard way about the consequences of breaking a TPO. In Stockport, a homeowner was fined £20,000 for cutting down a tree with a TPO in their garden. In Newport, a homeowner was ordered to pay a £16,000 fine plus £100,000 in prosecution costs, totaling £116,000, for unlawfully felling a protected oak tree.
The law was reinforced in August 2025 when an appeal was dismissed for a homeowner who was convicted for unlawfully felling a protected lime tree. These cases serve as reminders that losing a mature tree can have a lasting impact on the environment and community, and enforcement action is taken seriously.
When a TPO is issued, a Regulation 5 notice is served, giving the landowner 28 days to object. If no objection is raised, the TPO becomes legally binding. If a TPO is issued to one of their trees, the council must contact the landowner.
If a TPO-protected tree is lost or felled, the homeowner may also be required to plant a replacement tree. It's essential to check with the Local Planning Authority about any requirements for replacement trees.
If you're buying a property, your solicitor should flag whether protected trees are present as part of the conveyancing process. Most councils maintain an online register of TPOs and conservation areas, making it easier to check the status of trees on a potential property.
As a News Writer for the platform team, Kezia Reynolds joined the team in September 2024. If you have any questions about TPOs, always consult with a professional before taking any action regarding trees on your property.
