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Tree Works Planning Applications and TPO Notifications

88,940 Tree Works applications on record across the UK

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Sample Tree Works applications

  • CardiffMagnolia- Crown reduction, reducing height by approx 1.2m, to good growth points, and laterals by approx 1m to good growth points, NE aspect to be pruned away further ensurig at least 1m clearance from the property. Raise over pavement and driveway to 2.5m Shape and balance to leave aesthetic pleasing. Pruning work to be carried out to BS3998: 2010 British Standards. All arisings to be removed from site, leaving tidy. This tree's upper crown is now fouling the property's roof.
  • SouthamptonQuercus CerrisTurkey Oak Tree - Prune branches overhanging 95 Sandpiper Road property boundary by 2 metres, up to a height of 5 metres, back to previous pruning points.
  • WokinghamAPPLICATION FOR WORKS TO PROTECTED TREE TPO-0325/1987(W1) T1, Pine - to crown lift to 3.5 metres above ground level and prune away from light column by removing the four lowest branches and reducing the remaining secondary growth by 0.5 m to create a clearance from the light. Tree dimensions after pruning - height 12 m, radial spread 4-4.5 m

Tree works planning applications cover any works to a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), or any tree in a conservation area. Planning Signal tracks over 42,000 tree works applications submitted to UK councils, making it one of the most active categories in our database.

Every application is a direct signal that tree surgery work is needed. Arborists use this data to contact property owners at the moment they have committed to the project, before an arborist is appointed.

What counts as a Tree Works application

Tree works applications and TPO notifications cover:

  • Works to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (crown reduction, crown lifting, crown thinning, felling)
  • Section 211 notifications for works to trees in conservation areas
  • Emergency works following storm damage or disease on protected trees
  • Replacement planting conditions attached to development consents

Unprotected trees in private gardens do not require a planning application and will not appear in our database. Applications in our system represent work that has been assessed as requiring formal council consent or notification.

Who tracks Tree Works applications

Tree surgeons and arborists are the primary users of tree works applications. Each notification identifies a specific property, the works proposed, and in many cases the tree species, giving direct contact information at the point of highest buying intent.

Landscapers and groundworkers monitor applications for large, scale felling, site clearance and woodland management. Developers and planners track tree works applications to manage TPO obligations on development sites.

How Planning Signal helps with Tree Works applications

Set a keyword alert for "tree preservation order", "TPO" or "crown reduction" and Planning Signal emails you each time a matching application is submitted to any UK council. Each alert includes:

  • Site address and planning reference
  • Works description (species, location on site, type of work proposed)
  • Applicant details
  • Direct link to the application on the council portal

Search and filter by local authority or region. Download results as a CSV for targeted outreach across multiple properties in your area.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Tree Preservation Order and when is planning permission needed?
A Tree Preservation Order is issued by a local council to protect a tree of special amenity value. Any works to a TPO tree, including pruning, crown reduction and felling, require an application to the council before work begins. Works to trees in conservation areas also require prior notification under section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act, even without a TPO. Emergency works to a dangerous tree may be carried out without prior consent, but the council must be notified within five days.
How can a tree surgeon find tree works leads?
Planning Signal lets arborists set keyword alerts for tree preservation order, TPO, crown reduction or tree removal. When a matching application is submitted to any UK council, you receive an email with the site address, works description and applicant details, letting you contact the property owner before they have appointed a contractor.
How many tree works applications are submitted in the UK each year?
Planning Signal tracks over 42,000 tree works planning applications across the UK, covering works to TPO trees, conservation area tree notifications and associated replacement planting conditions. Tree works make up roughly 10 to 12 percent of all planning applications in our database.
Can I carry out emergency tree surgery without planning permission?
Yes, in limited circumstances. If a tree presents an immediate danger to people or property, emergency works can be carried out without prior consent. However, you must notify the council in writing within five days of the works. This exemption covers both TPO trees and conservation area trees but does not apply to works that are convenient rather than genuinely urgent.
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Looking for a step-by-step guide?

The statistics and application data above track live planning submissions. For a practical how-to guide (including what forms to submit, timelines, costs and exemptions), see our dedicated planning guide:

Tree Works: Complete Planning Guide →

Related UK Planning Application Types

Trades looking for Tree Works leads

Planning Signal Leads delivers tree works applications directly to tradespeople the moment councils publish them.

Tree Surgeons leads →Landscapers leads →