Where is the tree?

• Contact your Tree Officer to find out why the tree is planned for removal. A Tree Officer works for your local authority. It could be dangerous or dead, it could be threatened by a development, a subsidence claim or being felled through ‘Permitted Development Rights’. Whatever the reason, there is room to scrutinise the decision.
• Start a local campaign! Read our guide to starting a campaign.
• Is it a street tree? There are some exemptions, such as the road classification, and whether it’s not dangerous or dead, but the council should have probably consulted before deciding to fell the tree. Read about the Duty to Consult on Felling Street Trees. Contact your local authority to find out if they have done so.

• Is it threatened by a development? If yes, check our guide to objecting to a planning application. If planning permission has been granted take legal advice. A legal expert is your best bet if planning permission has been granted. Check planning application section for possible areas where the permission could be challenged. Also, contact your local press, ward councillors and MP - the easiest way to do that is using Write To Them.

   

Check if the tree or trees are ‘protected’. If a tree or trees have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are in a Conservation Area (and is over 7.5cm in diameter) they will have some legal protection. You can find out by contacting the Tree Officer or checking on your council’s website.

Is the tree protected?