Do I Need Permission to Remove a Tree in Plymouth?

At C & H Tree Surgery, we are frequently asked the question:

Do I need permission to remove a tree in Plymouth?

It's an important question to answer before arranging any tree removal work.

In most cases, you do not need planning permission to remove an unprotected tree in Plymouth.

However, you may need consent or need to notify Plymouth City Council if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), is located within a Conservation Area, or is subject to a planning condition. 

If your property is within a Conservation Area, Plymouth City Council generally requires six weeks' notice before carrying out certain tree work where the trunk is more than 7.5cm in diameter when measured at 1.5 metres above ground level. 

As best practice, our highly experienced team at C & H Tree Surgery recommends checking whether the tree is protected before arranging any work. 

If you're unsure, C & H Tree Surgery can help advise you on the appropriate next steps.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about tree removal permissions, including:

• Do I Need Permission to Remove a Tree?

• What Is a Tree Preservation Order?

• What If the Tree Is Dead or Dangerous?

• How Can I Check If My Tree Is Protected?

• Can C & H Tree Surgery Help?

Whether you need permission to remove a tree in Plymouth depends on the tree and its location.

If a tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), you will generally need the appropriate consent before carrying out work. Trees within a Conservation Area across Plymouth  can also have additional protection, so it's important to check whether any notification or consent is required before carrying out tree removal or significant pruning.

What Is a Tree Preservation Order?

Commonly referred to as a TPO, a Tree Preservation Order is made by local planning authorities to protect specific trees that are considered important to the local environment.

Without the appropriate consent from Plymouth City Council, protected tree work cannot normally be carried out. It's important to remember that TPO protection can apply to more than tree removal. Certain types of pruning and other tree work may also require consent, including crown lifting, crown reduction, pollarding and other significant pruning work.

What If the Tree Is Dead or Dangerous?

There are specific provisions for circumstances where a protected tree requires urgent attention. Plymouth City Council states that where a protected tree or branch is immediately dangerous, the minimum work necessary to make it safe can be carried out without making an application.

For peace of mind, it's always recommended to contact C & H Tree Surgery for professional advice and guidance.

Before arranging tree removal or significant pruning, it's important to establish whether the tree is protected or subject to any planning restrictions. 

This applies to domestic, commercial and public properties.

We recommend the following steps:

• Check whether the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

• Check whether the property is within a Conservation Area.

• Check any relevant planning permission conditions.

• Contact Plymouth City Council if you're unsure whether consent is required.

• Speak to C & H Tree Surgery if you need professional advice

Plymouth City Council provides information about Tree Preservation Orders, Conservation Areas and applications for protected tree work. If you're unsure whether your tree is protected, it's always best to check before arranging any work.

Can C & H Tree Surgery Help?

C & H Tree Surgery are five-star-rated tree surgeons in Plymouth, providing safe and professional tree removal for domestic and commercial customers. 

Our experienced team can assess trees that are dangerous, damaged, diseased or otherwise causing concern and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

As well as tree removal, we also provide related tree services including storm damage tree removal, stump grinding and tree pruning.

If you're unsure whether a tree is protected, we can help identify the appropriate checks and advise on the next steps.

Where necessary, we can help you understand the process for contacting Plymouth City Council before work begins.

C&H Tree Surgery are trusted local tree surgeons serving Plymouth and the surrounding areas. With more than 130 five-star Google reviews, ARB Approved Contractor status and CHAS accreditation, our experienced team provides tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding and emergency tree work for domestic and commercial customers.

Need professional tree removal in Plymouth or the surrounding areas?

As a local and trusted ARB Approved Contractor, C & H Tree Surgery provides free, no-obligation quotations and site surveys.