A tree preservation order (TPO) is a written order which makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or destroy a tree protected by the order without our permission.
We use TPOs to protect trees that have a significant visual impact on the environment, including individual trees, groups of trees, and those in defined areas or woodlands.
Anything that would normally be called a 'tree' may be covered by a TPO. There is no minimum size, but bushes or shrubs of any size cannot be protected. TPOs protect trees that make their local surroundings more attractive and which are visible from a public place.
A Tree Preservation Order can be applied to any species of tree. Rare or unusual trees that have particular historic interest are more likely to be granted an order. Trees in hedgerows can be included but not hedges, bushes or shrubs themselves. Tree Preservation Orders are not normally placed on fruit trees cultivated for fruit production or on trees within areas under Local Authority control such as those on highways or in parks. Havant Borough Council have made over 800 Tree Preservation Orders protecting more than 3,000 trees in the borough.
It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy any tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order unless we have specifically permitted this work. We have a duty to make a Tree Preservation Order when we are considering planning applications for development. This is because development sites often contain trees that make an important visual contribution to the area. Many Tree Preservation Orders result from this process. We also make Tree Preservation Orders when people bring to our attention trees or groups of trees that they consider important to an area.
Anyone who wishes a tree to be considered for a TPO should email treeofficer@havant.gov.uk. Ideally, the email should include the following details: A photo of the tree as seen from the highway/public place, and its location.
The Environment Team, Room 4/04, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN Tel: 0117 372 8192; Fax: 0117 372 624