Tree Preservation Orders
If we believe certain trees or woodland contribute to the local environment, we can protect them with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and you’ll need our consent to carry out any work to protected trees.
Read the full guidance on GOV.UK for Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas.
You may also find our tree preservation and planting advice note useful:
-
Tree preservation and planting
Download this document: Tree preservation and planting (PDF: 100 KB)
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.
If a tree is dead or dangerous, you don’t need to apply for consent, but you’ll still need to contact us to prove that the work falls within an exemption.
Find out if your tree is protected
Use the map below to find the locations of properties that are subject to a TPO and download the orders, or contact us to find out before carrying out any works.
Due to the volume of data the map will take roughly 20 seconds to fully load.
1. Select 'property search' at the top of the page. This will centre the map on the Liverpool area.
2. Enter the postcode or street name you wish to locate and click 'OK'.
3. Select a property, then minimise the box by clicking on the purple arrow.
4. Click on the map pin (highlighted yellow) for the selected property and an information box will open. Click on the '+' to expand the 'Tree preservation orders' and/or 'conservation areas' data links.
5. This will open up a purple box showing the TPO number and location and the option to download the TPO.
Things to note
- Red hatchings on the map indicate TPO areas.
- Blue hatchings on the map indicate conservation areas.
If there are no red or blue hatchings in the location you search for or no TPO/conservation area data when you select your property, this indicates you are not in a conservation area or the tree is not subject to a TPO. You can check this by selecting 'show layers' then 'TPOs & ConsAreas to the left of the screen, and make sure both layers are selected by ticking the box, as illustrated below:
Works to trees covered by a TPO
You’ll need written consent from us to do any of the following works to a protected tree:
- cutting down
- topping
- lopping
- uprooting
Where we agree that pruning or removal is allowed, the TPO means we can control these actions and arrange for new planting to replace trees which are removed, if necessary.
Works to trees in conservation areas
Trees in conservation areas are also subject to protection, even if they’re not covered by a TPO. You’ll still need to apply for consent, giving six weeks’ notice, before you carry out any of the above works – this gives us the opportunity to consider whether an order should be made to protect the trees.
Check if your property is in a conservation area by using the TPO and conservation area map above.
Apply for consent
If you wish to carry out works to trees that are subject to a TPO or notify us of works to trees in a conservation area you can:
Apply online for tree works consent via the Planning Portal
Download the paper application form from the Planning Portal
Make sure you include the relevant documents and plans with your application:
-
Tree works validation checklist
Download this document: Tree works validation checklist (PDF: 18 KB)
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.
There is no fee to pay when applying for consent.
Request a copy of a TPO
Download for free
Use the TPO map above to download Tree Preservation Orders for free. See above for instructions on how to use the map.
Request a paper copy
You can request a paper copies from Legal Services to be posted out to you, but there will be an administration charge of £40 for each TPO.
If you know the TPO reference, please call 0151 233 0463.
If you don’t know the TPO reference, use the map or contact Planning Services in the first instance.
If we have requested a payment from you, you can pay online: