We can put a Tree Preservation Order, known as a TPO, on trees that are of special visual importance. TPOs protect the general public’s enjoyment of the trees. They are particularly important when trees are in danger of being lost - for instance, where there is a planning application for a development which may threaten the trees.

TPOs can cover anything from single trees to woodlands, but not bushes or shrubs. Other laws cover the cutting down of hedgerows that are not around houses. Separate laws cover trees in Conservation Areas.

Even once a TPO is in place, the owner is still responsible for the tree, rather than us. If anyone wants to prune any part of the tree or cut it down, however, they usually need to get our written permission first. The Courts can impose heavy fines or even imprisonment if work is done without permission on a tree covered by a TPO. One exemption to this rule is where a tree is dead, dying or dangerous.

If you wish to check whether works being carried out to a tree are authorised, telephone 01332 256031, minicom 01332 256666.

Anyone can suggest to us that a TPO is put on a tree. We will then decide if it is of enough visual importance to the general public to make a TPO.

You will be told in writing if we intend to make a tree on your land the subject of a TPO, and you have the right to object to the TPO being made.

We keep records of all trees covered by TPOs. Please contact us on 01332 256031, minicom 01332 256666 if you would like to know if a certain tree is covered by a TPO.

If you want to do work to a tree covered by a TPO you will need to make an application. You can either download the application forms from our Application Packs webpage. Or telephone 01332 255950, minicom 01332 256666 and we will post all the relevant forms to you. You will need to explain on these forms which trees you want to do work on, what you want to do and why.

If you've downloaded your forms, you'll need to telephone 01332 255950, minicom 01332 256666, so we can send you, free of charge, a site location plan to accompany your application.

Or you can apply for permission online using the Planning Portal link on our Application Packs webpage.

You may find it helpful to consult a qualified tree surgeon to help you. The Arboricultural Association, the professional body for tree surgeons, has a website which lists registered consultants and approved contractors. Or you can look under 'Tree Work' in the Yellow Pages to find a qualified tree surgeon.

For further information about trees, the International Society of Arboriculture  website contains advice on tree care. The Communities and Local Government  website contains advice on Tree Preservation Orders: a guide to the law and good practice. Our Tree Pruning Techniques webpage explains the techniques used by the Council's Arboricultural Officers on Council owned trees.

Most applications to do work to trees are granted permission. We aim to decide your application in around eight weeks. If we refuse permission for the work you have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment. We will explain how to do this when you receive the notice of refusal.

To find out how your application is progressing, telephone 01332 255950, minicom 01332 256666.

To view a location map of TPOs around Derby, please use our Interactive Location Map. Please note, every effort has been made to keep these maps fully accurate and up to date, but they are not legal plans for the purposes of determining which trees are covered by Tree Preservation Orders. New orders are frequently made by the Council and so you are always advised to check with the Council before you do works to any tree.

For further information contact

Derby City Council
Regeneration and Community
Roman House
Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1XB

Telephone 01332 256031  Minicom 01332 256666  Fax 01332 255989  email tpo@derby.gov.uk