Protection criteria

On 1 October 2008 the new TPO regulations came into force. These introduce a standard application form for work to protected trees and a fast track appeals system.  

Criteria for the selection of trees for protection by TPO

The following criteria have been adopted by the Council for the selection of trees to be protected by Preservation Order:

  1. the health and condition of the tree; and subject to meeting the first criterion,
  2. the amenity value of the tree to the public.

Other factors may be taken into account, subject to meeting the first two criteria. Each of the criteria is described in more detail below. These criteria are tested against a number of questions.

1. Health and structural condition

The tree must be in good condition for its type, age and position? (reference should be made to British Standard 5837. 1991) Is there evidence of storm damage, root lifting, dead/diseased wood, excessive epicormic growth, weak forks, included bark etc.? 
The tree must have a reasonable safe life expectancy Does the tree require essential corrective action to maintain it in a safe condition?

The type and position of the tree should be appropriate to its location.

 Is the tree able to develop to maturity without severely compromising adjacent buildings, structures or services? Is there evidence of damage to adjacent structures that is likely to be caused by the tree?

2. Amenity

The tree should have be visually significant within the landscape How visible is the tree from surrounding public (or private with limited public access) points?
How prominent is the tree?
Is the tree a local landmark?
Does the tree have a role in screening or obscuring an unsightly feature in the landscape?
Is the tree part of a landscape feature (i.e. an avenue)?
Does the tree contribute to a distinctive local landscape character? 

The tree should have public amenity value

 How well frequented is the locality? (i.e. town centre/village centre/main transport corridor/ local residential area).
Can it be seen clearly from a public place ?
The tree should be of good form (shape) Is the tree well-balanced?
Is it a good example, typical of the species?
Is the form of the tree particularly unusual or distinctive?
What impact has natural development, past pruning, storm damage etc had on the form of the tree?
Rare trees or trees which are or particular importance in the locality for another reason should be considered for inclusion in a TPO Is the tree a rare species or cultivar?
Are there special historical associations?
Trees with significant potential future benefit in the landscape should be considered for inclusion Is the tree developing to form an important contribution to the local landscape?

On 1 October 2008 the new TPO regulations came into force. These introduce a standard application form for work to protected trees and a fast track appeals system.