Tree Preservation Orders in Dorset: What You Need to Know
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protects trees of particular value to the local environment — and getting the rules wrong can mean a criminal conviction and an unlimited fine. This guide explains what TPOs mean for homeowners in Dorset and Bournemouth, what work you can and cannot do, and how Clearcut Tree Surgery handles the whole application process for you.
Thousands of trees across Dorset, BCP Council's area (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), and Hampshire are protected by Tree Preservation Orders. If you have a TPO tree on your property, you are responsible for understanding the restrictions — and for obtaining consent before any significant work is carried out. Ignorance of a TPO is not a legal defence.
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal instrument made by a local planning authority (in Dorset, this is either Dorset Council or BCP Council) to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands. The order makes it a criminal offence to:
- Cut down, uproot or wilfully destroy a protected tree
- Cut, top, lop or otherwise damage a protected tree
- Allow a protected tree to be damaged or destroyed
TPOs can be placed on individual trees, groups of trees, woodlands or specific tree belts. The order runs with the land — meaning it remains in force even if the property is sold.
The penalty for breaching a TPO is serious: Anyone who carries out unauthorised work on a TPO-protected tree can face prosecution in the Magistrates' Court, with an unlimited fine. Local planning authorities in Dorset take enforcement seriously and actively monitor known TPO locations.
How Do I Know If My Tree Has a TPO?
There are several ways to check whether your tree is protected:
- Check the planning portal: Both Dorset Council and BCP Council publish TPO registers on their planning portals, searchable by location
- Ask your tree surgeon: An experienced local arborist will often know which trees in an area carry protection, and can advise before any work is planned
- Check your property deeds or Land Registry information: TPOs are often noted in title documents
- Contact the council directly: You can contact Dorset Council or BCP Council's tree officer to confirm the status of any tree on your property
It's also worth noting that trees in Conservation Areas have automatic protection — even without an individual TPO. Dorset and the BCP area have numerous Conservation Areas, particularly in coastal and historic town centres.
What Work Requires TPO Consent?
Before carrying out any of the following on a TPO-protected tree, you must apply to the relevant council and receive written consent:
- Felling or complete removal of the tree
- Crown reduction, crown lifting or crown thinning
- Lopping or topping (removing major branches)
- Uprooting or root pruning that could damage the tree's stability
- Any work likely to have a significant impact on the tree's structure or health
Work that usually requires consent:
- Crown reduction
- Crown lifting above 3m
- Removal of major limbs
- Tree felling
- Stump removal of protected species
- Root pruning
Work that may be exempt:
- Deadwood removal up to 60mm diameter
- Cutting branches causing immediate danger
- Pruning fruit trees grown for fruit
- Removing a tree under 75mm diameter
- Emergency work to prevent injury
- Work to prevent/abate nuisance (in some cases)
How Long Does a TPO Application Take?
Once a TPO application is submitted to Dorset Council or BCP Council, the authority has eight weeks to make a decision. In practice, straightforward applications — such as a crown reduction on a healthy tree — are often decided within four to six weeks. More complex applications, such as tree removal or works in sensitive areas, may take the full eight weeks.
This is why planning ahead is important. If you want tree work done in summer, a TPO application submitted in early April gives you the best chance of a decision in time. Clearcut Tree Surgery manages the entire application process for clients across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and all of Dorset.
Trees in Conservation Areas
If your tree is in a Conservation Area but does not have an individual TPO, you are still legally required to give the council six weeks' notice before carrying out any significant work — including felling any tree with a trunk circumference over 75mm measured at 1.5m from the ground. This gives the council the opportunity to place a TPO on the tree if they consider it worthy of protection.
Clearcut Tree Surgery is experienced in identifying Conservation Area restrictions and submitting the correct notifications with both Dorset Council and BCP Council on behalf of our clients.
How Clearcut Tree Surgery Manages TPO Applications
We handle the complete TPO application process for clients across Dorset and Hampshire — from initial assessment through to submission and council correspondence. Our service includes:
- On-site assessment of the tree and the scope of proposed works
- Preparation of a professional arborist's report supporting the application
- Submission of the formal application to Dorset Council or BCP Council
- Correspondence with the council's tree officer throughout the decision period
- Carrying out the approved works once consent is received
Our familiarity with the local planning process means applications are prepared correctly first time — reducing delays and improving the likelihood of approval. Visit our dedicated TPO applications service page for more information.
