Is my tree protected?

Check (1) borough tree portal for TPO; (2) Conservation Area map. If either applies, formal notification needed. Outside both: most pruning + felling allowed without notice in most London boroughs (but Richmond + Barnet + Kingston have wider blanket protections — check).

What if my neighbour's tree damages my property?

Right to abate nuisance — you can prune branches/roots crossing your boundary back to the boundary line at your cost. Cannot kill the tree by over-pruning (illegal). If tree damages property (subsidence, blocked gutter): claim against neighbour's home insurance via subsidence + tree report. Major cause of insurance disputes.

Can I plant a replacement tree to mitigate?

Council Tree Officer often allows fell + replace if replacement species + size is appropriate (often 1:1 mature replacement, sometimes 3:1 mitigation). Native species + heavy standard (3.5–4.5m height, 10–14cm stem girth) typical requirement. Cost £550–£1,250 supplied + planted with 2-year maintenance guarantee.

Tree Removal Cost London 2026 | Builderr

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in London Renovation?

London tree removal cost £450–£3,850 per tree depending on size and access. Small (under 8m) £450–£950. Medium (8–15m) £950–£1,850. Large (15m+) £1,850–£3,850. Crane-access trees double. Check TPO + conservation area status FIRST — illegal felling £20,000 court fine + £20,000 per tree. 6-week formal notification required for TPO/CA trees. Arboricultural impact assessment £450–£950.

TPO + Conservation Area rules

Tree Preservation Order (TPO): legally binding council protection — cannot prune more than 25% of canopy or fell without written consent. Check by postcode at borough Trees portal. Notification: 8-week application; mostly refused for healthy trees, may approve if dying/diseased/dangerous (independent arborist report required). Conservation areas: all trees with stem diameter >75mm at 1.5m height protected — 6-week formal Section 211 notification to council before any works; if no objection in 6 weeks, work can proceed; council can issue TPO during 6-week window if tree warrants protection. Failure to notify in CA: £2,500 fine + tree replacement order. Outside TPO + CA: most boroughs allow private tree work without notification (but check — some London boroughs have wider tree protection).

Cost by tree size + access

Small tree (under 8m height, single-stem, garden access): £450–£950 by Arb Approved Contractor. Medium (8–15m, multiple stems, requires sectional dismantling): £950–£1,850. Large (15m+, mature oak/lime/plane): £1,850–£3,850. Crane access (street tree, no garden route): +50–100%. Stump grinding +£250–£650 per stump. Add £350–£650 logs/chip removal if not retained on site. Builderr requires LANTRA + NPTC + £5M public liability insurance on all tree contractors — never use unlicensed 'cash-in-hand' tree fellers (insurance void if neighbour property damaged).

Arboricultural impact assessment + root protection

When extension or new build near trees: arboricultural impact assessment (AIA) per BS 5837:2012 — £450–£950 by certified arborist. Defines Root Protection Area (RPA) — radius = 12× stem diameter (typical 15m mature tree = 8–12m RPA). Foundations within RPA require special design: cantilever raft, screw piles, or hand-dug pads with arborist supervision. Pre-app discussion with council Tree Officer recommended on any project within 15m of a TPO or significant tree. Builderr's Brent Queens Park + Haringey Muswell Hill case studies used mini-piles for TPO tree protection — adds £8,500–£15,500 to foundation budget on a typical extension.