Commercial Services
Commercial
Domestic Services
Domestic
If you live in Bristol and have mature trees on your property, you may have heard the term Tree Preservation Order. But what does it mean, and how does it affect your ability to prune or remove trees? In simple terms, a Tree Preservation Order designation means your tree is legally protected. Before you carry out any work, you’ll need written consent from the local authority.
At The Roots Company, our qualified arborists provide professional advice on protected trees, helping homeowners, councils, and developers stay compliant while maintaining healthy landscapes.
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal tool used by councils to protect trees that bring visual, historical, or ecological value to an area. Once applied, a TPO makes it an offence to cut down, prune, or damage the tree without permission.
Local councils across the South West, including Bath, Frome, and Somerset, often apply these orders to mature or rare species that enhance biodiversity, shade, or community appeal. Their purpose is to safeguard trees that define the region’s character while promoting responsible care rather than removal.
Before any tree work begins, always complete a tree preservation order check. In Bristol, you can check via the City Council’s online map or by contacting their planning department. Many councils provide similar resources for neighbouring areas such as Bath and North East Somerset.
If you are unsure where to start, our consultants can handle the process on your behalf. As part of our Applications and Consultancy service, we conduct full checks and communicate directly with local authorities to ensure every stage of your project remains compliant. Learn more about this on our Applications and Consultancy page.
If a tree on your property is covered by a TPO, you can still apply for permission to carry out work, but the process must be carefully managed.
Our Tree Reports service provides the supporting documentation councils often require for approval. This ensures your application is handled correctly from start to finish.
Working on a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence. Homeowners and contractors can face fines of up to £20,000 per offence, with potential prosecution for severe breaches.
Beyond financial penalties, unauthorised work can harm local ecosystems, reduce property value, and damage your reputation with the local council. That’s why we always recommend seeking advice before any work begins.
We guide clients through every stage of the tree permission South West process. Our services include:
Our team is ARB Approved, NPTC qualified, and trusted by organisations such as Longleat Safari Park. With five-star reviews and operations across Bristol, Bath, and Somerset, we combine expertise with a strong environmental commitment.
Not all tree protections are issued through TPOs. Many properties across the South West fall within Conservation Areas, where notice must be given to the council before pruning or removal. In addition, land designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) may require consent from Natural England.
These overlapping protections make it crucial to consult professionals before planning any work. Our team has experience navigating both local and national environmental regulations, ensuring your trees remain healthy, compliant, and sustainable.
Tree regulations can be complex, but a professional arborist makes the process straightforward. By consulting with a company that specialises in TPO tree work, you gain:
At The Roots Company, our approach focuses on conservation, not removal. When possible, we recommend pruning, air spading, or soil improvement before considering felling.
If you need help understanding or managing a Tree Preservation Order, contact The Roots Company for expert, honest guidance.
Call Us: 0800 054 8955
Email: hello@theroots.org.uk