Works to Trees Subject to a TPO

Tree Preservation Order - National Requirements

Guidance

Completed, signed and dated form

The form needs to be completed in full, signed and dated, including the tree ownership details if differing from the applicant details.

Sketch Plan

The sketch plan should show boundaries and adjoining properties, including house numbers or names, and names of roads. It is not necessary to draw a scaled plan, but it may be useful to show approximate distances  between the tree(s) in question and other relevant features. If possible, include an arrow showing north. Show the position of the tree(s) in relation to buildings.

Specification of Works

 A full and clear specification of the works to be carried out. Please give the species of tree if known (e.g. oak, Scots pine); Latin names are not required. Where known, use the numbering of trees from the First Schedule of the TPO (e.g. T1 ash, or two cherry and one birch in G2). Make sure other trees are identified by using a different sequence e.g. A, B, C etc. Make sure the numbering matches that used on the sketch plan.

Please make clear to which trees the descriptions of works and reasons apply.

It is vital that you clearly specify the works you want to carry out for each tree included in your application. A proposal simply to “cut back”, “lop” or “trim” some branches is too vague because it fails to indicate the extent of the works.

Statement of Reasons

Statement of reasons for the proposed work – reasons must be given for work to trees protected by a TPO, and is helpful for trees in conservation   areas. Please make clear to which trees the descriptions of works and reasons   apply – this must be clearly specified

Support of Statement of Reasons

Evidence in support of statement of reasons should be provided – in particular, you should provide the information detailed below when your application relates   to the condition of the tree or damage that it is causing. 

Condition of tree(s):

The   presence and impact of pests, diseases or fungi that require work to be carried out to the tree(s) should be described in written evidence or   diagnostic information from an arboricultralist or other appropriate expert. Arboricultural evidence must be provided to support applications that suggest   the tree has defects that me be of concern to the current or future safe retention of the tree or parts of the tree.

When your application relates to alleged damage to property caused by subsidence/damage to drains or driveways:

Subsidence: Reports will usually be provided by a structural engineer and/or a chartered surveyor and be supported by technically analysis from other experts e.g. for root and soil analysis. These reports must include the following information:

• A   description of the property, including a description of the damage and the crack pattern, the date that the damage first occurred/was noted, details of any previous underpinning or building work, the geological strata for the site identified from the geological map
• Details of vegetation in the vicinity and its management since discovery of the   damage. Include a plan showing the vegetation and affected building
• Measurement of the extent and distribution of vertical movement using level monitoring Where level monitoring is not possible, state why and provide crack-monitoring data. Data provided must be sufficient to show a pattern of   movement consistent with the presence of the implicated tree(s)
• A profile of a trial/bore hole dug to identify foundation type and depth and soil characteristics
• The sub-soil characteristics including soil type, particularly that on which the   foundations rest, liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index
• The location and identification of roots found. Where identification is inconclusive, DNA testing should be carried out; and
• Proposals and estimated costs of options to repair the damage.

In addition you must include a report from an arboriculturalist to support the tree work proposals, including arboricultural options for avoidance or remediation of indirect tree-related damage.

Other structural damage: Technical evidence in respect of other structural damage,   such garden walls, drains, paving and drive surfaces, should be provided by a relevant engineer, building/drainage surveyor or other appropriate expert.