Apply for permission to work on a protected tree
Types of tree applications
- Works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
- 6 week notices for work to trees in a conservation area (CA)
- 5 day notices for TPO and CA trees in an urgently dangerous condition
How to check if a tree is protected.
How to make a TPO application and CA Tree Notice
Make sure your application meets the below requirements otherwise we will send you an invalid letter and if the information is not provided you will have to apply again.
For Planning Portal guidance, please visit the Planning Portal guidance for applications for worksto trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and notifications of proposed works to Trees in Conservation Areas (CA).
Method A – by Planning Portal
- Use the link to the Planning Portal.
- Refer to the Planning Portal guidance for applications for tree works.
- Submit the following with your completed application form:
- location sketch plan showing the location of the tree(s) e.g. front or back garden, trees labelled T1, T2, etc.
- description of tree works giving existing and finished tree heights in metres (m) See Advice on how to write the description of the proposed works
- photographs showing the trees in situ labelled to identify the trees T1, T2, etc
- reasons for works including any supporting information/reports - required for TPO applications
- replacement tree planting - required for TPO applications, 5-day notices and dead trees in conservation areas.
Examples of tree work descriptions:
- REAR: ONE Holm oak (T2) (ht. 15m) LATERAL REDUCE by 2m from 6m on N compass point. CROWN THIN by 30%. Reason: clearance from building, alleviate light issues. (note: 30% is maximum thin specification).
- FRONT: ONE Walnut (T3) (ht. 15m) CROWN REDUCE HEIGHT by 2m to 13m, REDUCE RADIUS by 2m from 8m to 6m on S compass point, CROWN LIFT to 2m above ground level Reason: to retain within the garden setting, clearance from building and pavement.
- FRONT: THREE Lime (T1, T2, T3) (ht. 16m) RE-POLLARD by 3m to ht.13m to previous pollard points. Reason: repeat maintenance.
- FRONT: ONE Horse Chestnut (T1) (ht. 15m) FELL. Reason: the tree has died. (note: there is a duty to plant replacement trees for trees in conservation areas which die.
Method B – by e-mail
If you are not using the planning portal:
- Download Lewisham tree works application form: Lewisham Tree Work Application Form
- Complete the application form with required information as detailed above for method A.
- Email your completed application form with required information attached to planning@lewisham.gov.uk.
5 Day Notice - for Urgent works to dead and dangerous trees
Notices made under the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation)(England) Regulations 2012 in relation to dead and dangerous trees are known as five day notices.
These notices are for:
- cutting down a tree when the whole tree presents an urgent and serious safety risk or
- pruning part of a tree that presents an urgent and serious safety risk
There is not a specific application form for these applications.
Instead, email planning@lewisham.gov.uk with sufficient supporting information of the urgent safety issue, with location and photographs of the tree and the urgent safety issue:
- written details of the urgent tree work necessary to remove an immediate risk of serious harm
- photographic evidence of the dangerous condition of the tree.
- a map showing the tree(s) location
- photograph of the tree in situ,
- the tree(s) approximate height in metres
- replacement trees required for dead or imminently dangerous trees