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Tree preservation orders (TPOs)

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal order that protects trees or woodland. Maidstone has more than 1000 TPOs. You can email us to request copies of TPOs.

It's an offence to damage, cut down or destroy a protected tree in any way without getting permission. If there's a protected tree being removed or pruned without permission you need to report it to us.

You can use our map to find out if a tree is protected or in a conservation area.

Applications

Trees considered for a TPO must be visible from a public place, in good condition and under immediate threat of damage or removal. If there's a tree under threat you think should be protected you can ask for a TPO assessment by completing our form.

We will need to know:

  • the species of the tree
  • where the tree is
  • two photographs of the tree, one of the whole tree and one of a close-up.

The Woodland Trust has a guide of trees to help you identify which species it is or they also have a tree ID app which will help you identify the tree by taking a photograph of it.

You can provide us with the address, select the location on the map or to give us the exact location you can tell us the what3words location.

Apply

What happens next

We have a list of TPO requests, and we prioritise these depending on the TPO criteria. The three main criteria are the:

  • extent to which the tree can be seen by the general public
  • tree's importance in terms of its size, form, how rare it is or screening value

If the tree is eligible for a TPO we will initially make a legal order called a provisional TPO. We will notify the landowners and owners of neighbouring land who may be affected. They will be able to object to or support the TPO. We'll take account of any comments we receive and then confirm, withdraw or amend the TPO within six months.

Conservation areas

If you’re not sure if a tree is in one of our 41 conservation areas, check conservation area maps.

Any tree with stems more than 75mm in diameter at 1.5m above ground level are automatically protected if they are in a conservation area. These trees cannot be pruned or removed unless you give us six weeks’ notice.

Getting permission

You can apply for permission to cut down or prune a protected tree using the Planning Portal website. If the tree is protected by a TPO then the application will take eight weeks. If the tree is in a conservation area, the application will take six weeks.

If we refuse your request, the decision notice will advise you on how to appeal.

Other Restrictions

Trees can also be protected/controlled by planning conditions. If you want to fell over five cubic meters of timber you may need a felling licence. You can apply for one from the Forestry Commission.

Ancient woodland

Woodland, and ancient woodland in particular, is hugely important for nature conservation. It homes a number of protected species and is a key feature of the landscape and history of the borough.

You can check if woodland is considered ancient by visiting the Natural England website.