Tree preservation orders

What is a Tree preservation order (TPO)

A Tree preservation order (TPO) protects trees that either make a significant visual impact on their local surroundings or have particular considered values.

It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree subject to a TPO without prior consent.

We may place a TPO on a tree if the tree is considered to have a sufficient level of amenity value. The assessment of the tree considers:

  • the prominence and size of the tree
  • its structural and physiological condition
  • its potential longevity
  • whether it has any ecological or historical value and
  • whether its existence is likely to be under any level of threat.

Please read our TPO Guidance before making an application.

Apply for a TPO

How can I find out if a tree is covered by a TPO?

Homeowners are advised that during the process of purchasing a property your solicitor, or the property deeds, should tell you if you have any trees on your property which are subject to a TPO.

Use our online map to search for a TPO or any trees that are in conservation areas.

Search for a TPO

Alternatively please email tree.enquiries@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or telephone 01295 227001.

How will I know when a Local Planning Authority (LPA) makes a TPO?

We will write to the owner/occupier and other interested parties enclosing a copy of the TPO. If we do not know the details of the owner we may place a copy of the TPO, providing all necessary information, in a prominent location as near to the site of the tree as possible.