MID & EAST DEVON
Tree Preservation Orders & conservation areas
Before any tree work starts, it pays to know whether the tree is protected. Here's how to check, what permission you'll need, and how we handle the council paperwork for you.
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal order made by a local council to protect a specific tree, group of trees or woodland that makes a real contribution to the local area. Once a TPO is in place, you must have written consent from the council before cutting down, topping, uprooting or otherwise damaging the tree — and that includes routine pruning.
A tree can also be protected simply by where it stands. Every tree inside a designated conservation area is protected by default, whether or not a TPO exists on it.
How to check if your tree is protected
- 1Identify which district council covers your address — the rules are administered locally.
- 2Search the council's online TPO map or protected tree register for your property.
- 3Check whether your property falls inside a designated conservation area.
- 4If you're unsure, speak to the council's tree officer — they will confirm the status in writing.
Mid Devon District Council
Tiverton, Cullompton, Crediton and surrounding villages
East Devon District Council
Honiton, Ottery St Mary and the surrounding area
Exeter City Council
Exeter and its suburbs
The 75mm rule in conservation areas
In a conservation area you must give the council six weeks' written notice before working on any tree whose trunk is thicker than 75mm, measured 1.5 metres above ground level. That's roughly the width of a mug — far smaller than most people expect, so a good many garden trees are caught by it.
We handle the applications for you
Council paperwork puts a lot of people off getting necessary tree work done. It shouldn't. As part of a free quotation we'll check whether your tree is protected, prepare and submit the application or conservation area notice on your behalf, and deal with the tree officer directly — including liaising with other bodies such as National Grid where lines are involved.
"Excellent job and very tidy. Tom also sorted out the permissions from the council and National Grid which was really helpful."
Common questions
How do I check if a tree has a Tree Preservation Order?
Ask the tree officer at your district council, or search their online TPO map. They will confirm whether an order applies and whether the tree sits inside a conservation area. We do this check for our customers as part of the free quotation — you don't have to chase the council yourself.
Do I need permission in a conservation area even without a TPO?
Yes. In a conservation area you must give the council six weeks' written notice before pruning or felling any tree with a trunk thicker than 75mm measured 1.5m above the ground. The council can use that window to place a TPO on the tree.
How long does an application take?
A TPO application usually takes up to eight weeks for a decision; conservation area notifications take six weeks. We factor that into scheduling so the work happens as soon as consent lands.
What if the tree is dangerous right now?
Work to remove an immediate risk of serious harm is exempt from the usual consent process, but the council must be notified as soon as possible. We photograph and document every emergency job so your position is fully evidenced.
What are the penalties for unauthorised work?
Cutting down or badly damaging a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence, with unlimited fines in the most serious cases and a legal duty to plant a replacement. It is always cheaper to check first.
Not sure if your tree is protected?
Send us the address and a photo — we'll check it with the council and quote for the work, free of charge.