Tree Preservation Orders in West Dorset

Trees make a valuable contribution to development sites where they are able to provide screening, add maturity to the site and can also soften the built form. It is therefore important to make sure that trees are considered during the planning process, and that those to be retained are not only protected during construction but their future growth and impact on the development is also considered.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and conservation areas

All types or species of trees with amenity value can be protected by a tree preservation order TPO, including trees in hedges, but not bushes or shrubs. In addition, most trees within a conservation area are also protected.

We process over 350 tree work applications each year for trees that are either protected by a TPO or lie within a conservation area. There are over 400 TPOs in West Dorset and over 75 conservation areas.

Anyone can make an application to carry out work to protected trees (whether they are the landowner or not) and each application is carefully considered before a decision is issued. Trees remain the responsibility of the landowner and they are liable for any costs involved in carrying out any tree work.

The council has 2 months in which to determine applications concerning trees protected by TPOs, and 6 weeks notice is required for any work to trees within conservation areas. This will need to be taken into consideration before hiring a tree surgeon to carry out the work. Before choosing your arborist, you are advised to check that they are adequately insured before agreeing to have the work carried out.

Tree work notifications can be viewed on the tree work application search. Contact us if you need help accessing this information.

Make an application to carry out work to a tree

Apply and make payment online if you want permission to carry out work to trees within a conservation area or that has a TPO.

Tree surgeons

You can get guidance on how to go about hiring a tree surgeon as well as important information to consider from the Aboricultural Association website.