Tree Preservation Orders
Before carrying out any tree work it is important to determine whether the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), Conservation Area, or through another form of protection. You may have already been notified that a TPO covers trees that you own, either when the order was originally served or through a Local Land Charges search carried out by your solicitor prior to purchasing the property.
If you are unsure whether the tree is protected then the easiest way to find out is by contacting us.
Carrying Out Works to TPO Trees
If you plan to carry out works to a tree or trees that you already know are protected by a TPO then it is still advisable to get in touch with us before submitting an application to do the work. We may need to visit you to clarify the work prior to a formal application being accepted.
In addition, we can offer advice on whether an exemption applies (see below) such as for safety reasons, and the Council also allows certain minor works without requiring an application. These are outlined in the Council’s tree policy documents ‘Trees – East Lindsey’ which are available to download from the ‘Trees and Hedges’ page of this website.
If you have discussed the proposed work with us, or already know exactly what work you wish to carry out then you can apply for consent using the ‘Application Form for Tree Work’. Guidance Notes are also provided to assist with completing the form.
Register of Applications
Please note; your application and our decision will be included in a publicly available record via this website and in certain circumstances may be copied to neighbours and other third parties. Local Planning Authorities are required to maintain a register of applications received, including the LPA's decision, and to make this register available to the public.
Works urgently required for safety reasons
It is not the intention of a TPO to keep unsafe trees, nor to prevent work that is needed in order to make a tree safe. There are specific exemptions within the legislation, which help to ensure works that must be done to a tree because of an imminent danger are not stopped. Examples are where a branch has split/broken in a gale and is hanging in the tree, or where a tree has begun to uproot and is likely to fall.
Anyone proposing to do works under this exemption should first seek the advice of a tree expert and is strongly advised to give us 5 days notice before carrying out the work, except in an emergency, to avoid the risk of prosecution.
If you are at all unsure whether your tree comes under this exemption, please contact us without delay.
Tree felling or damage concerns
If you are concerned that important trees may be at risk of being felled or damaged, get in touch with us as soon as possible. We will be happy to discuss your concerns and where appropriate will assess whether a TPO should be placed on the trees.
We have strict criteria for where a tree may be eligible for a TPO, and will only make a TPO where the tree is of sufficient size and quality, visible from a public place and is under some threat.
