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 page for applications for works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and notifications of proposed works to Trees in Conservation Areas (CA). 

Method A – by Planning Portal 

1. Use the link to the planning portal use the planning portal. 
2. Read the Government's guidance on applying to work on trees. 
3. Submit the following with your completed application form:

• A site plan showing the location of the tree(s) e.g. front or back garden labelling them T1, T2 and so on.

• Provide on the application form a clear specification of tree works including existing height in metres of trees proposed for felling, and existing and finished dimensions (height and radius in metres) for reduction measurements for other tree works. Advice on how to write the description of the proposed works.

• Labelled photographs of the trees in situ and labelled photographs of the problems with the trees. Photographs annotated to show the extent of reduction works are very helpful.

• Any supporting information /reports.

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