Is there a TPO on my property?

Check the borough's online TPO register and Local Land Charges. Conservation area status (also borough website) gives automatic tree protection.

Can I prune a TPO tree?

Light pruning may not need consent if not 'substantial works'. Anything involving 25%+ canopy reduction or main branches: consent required.

What about dead or dangerous trees?

Emergency works permitted but must give 5 working days notice (where practicable). Photographic evidence essential. Replacement planting usually required.

Does Builderr arrange tree surveys?

Yes — BS5837 tree survey and arboricultural method statement included where TPO or CA trees affect the design.

Quick Answer

How does a Tree Preservation Order affect a London renovation?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on or near your site restricts felling, lopping, root pruning and excavation within the root protection area. Works within RPA need borough consent — typical 8-week determination. Unauthorised damage is a criminal offence with fines up to £20,000 per tree (Crown Court: unlimited). Conservation areas give automatic 6-week notification protection to any tree >75mm diameter. Tree report at design stage costs £400–£900.

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What a TPO does

Protects individual trees, groups or whole areas from felling, lopping, root pruning or substantial works. Issued by the borough and recorded on the Land Charges register. Conservation area trees enjoy near-equivalent protection automatically — 6-week notice required for any works to trees >75mm diameter at 1.5m height.

Design impacts

Root Protection Area (RPA) = 12 × stem diameter as radius. Any excavation within RPA (foundations, drainage, services, hardstanding) needs an arboricultural method statement and often hand-digging or specialised root-friendly techniques. Trees within RPA also drive piled foundations for adjacent extensions.

Application process

Submit s211 notice (CA trees) or full TPO consent application. 6–8 week determination. Borough arboricultural officer may visit. Consent typically conditioned with replacement planting, supervision and mitigation. Refusal can be appealed to Planning Inspectorate within 28 days.

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Senior consultant call within one business hour. Free desk-based planning assessment. Fixed-scope quote — no provisional sums, no day-rate creep.