Protected trees

Trees can be protected with either a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or by being located in a conservation area. Trees may also be protected by a planning condition following a planning application decision.

TPOs are placed on trees that are important to the character of a particular area. It is illegal to cut down, prune, or damage a tree with a TPO without getting permission from us first.

Trees in conservation areas are given protection because they are an important part of the appearance and character of the area.

The  guide to tree preservation procedures (PDF, 88 KB) provides further information on protected trees.

Visit the Department for Communities and Local Government for detailed information on tree preservation orders.

Where trees are located on land within the Peak District National Park you will need to Contact the Peak District National Park Authority for details on their protected trees procedures.

Find out if a tree is protected

You can use our interactive planning map to find out if a tree is protected by a TPO, or in a conservation area and to see if a property has had planning consent.

How to protect a tree

If you would like protect a tree then please tell us the tree's location, the reason for the need for protection and how urgent it is.

Planning Conditions

Planning conditions can be used to protect trees following a planning application. 

To check if your property has had a recent planning decision that may contain tree related conditions then please use our interactive map:

Contact our Development Control team for details of the conditions:

Planning@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk.