Small trees
Trees with a stem under 7.5 cm across at 1.5 m above the ground don't need notice. Neither does thinning trees under 10 cm across to help others grow.
Tree work in conservation areas
Many older parts of Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne, Christchurch, Salisbury and the market towns are conservation areas. Trees there are protected, but the process is simpler than most people think.
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Conservation areas in short
If your property is in a conservation area, any tree with a stem 7.5 cm or more across, measured 1.5 m above the ground, is protected. Before pruning or felling it, you must give the local council six weeks' written notice, known as a section 211 notice. The council can then let the work go ahead, or protect the tree with a Tree Preservation Order. If the council doesn't respond within six weeks, the work can usually go ahead. We prepare and send the notice for you.
- Which trees
- Stem 7.5 cm or more across at 1.5 m
- Notice
- Six weeks, in writing, to the council
- Council's choice
- Let it go ahead, or make a TPO
- No reply
- Work can usually go ahead after six weeks
- We do it
- Notice prepared and sent as part of the job
How the notice works
- 1
Check
We confirm whether the property is in a conservation area and whether any tree already has a TPO, which needs a full application instead.
- 2
Describe the work
The notice says exactly which trees and what work, for example a 2 m crown reduction or felling, with a plan and photos.
- 3
Send it
The notice goes to the council's planning or tree team. The six weeks start from when it's received.
- 4
Wait
The council's tree officer may visit. They can raise no objection, or make a TPO if they think the tree should be protected.
- 5
Do the work
Once the six weeks are up, or the council says it has no objection, the work goes ahead as described. Notices usually remain valid for two years.
Good to know
Hedges
Hedges in a conservation area are generally treated as trees only where they have grown into trees. Trimming a garden hedge doesn't need notice, but the stems of individual trees in it may.
Dead and dangerous trees
Exemptions exist for trees that are dead or dangerous, but notice is still usually needed, and you should keep evidence. Ask us before relying on them.
Not the same as a TPO
A notice isn't an application for consent. It's a chance for the council to decide whether the tree deserves a TPO. If it makes one, a full application is then needed.
Conservation areas questions
Anything not covered here? Ask us and we'll give you a straight answer.
How do I know if I'm in a conservation area?
Your council publishes maps of its conservation areas, and your property searches should mention it. We check as part of our free visit.
Does the six weeks' notice cost anything?
Councils don't usually charge for a conservation area notice. We prepare it as part of the job.
Can I prune a tree in a conservation area?
Yes, after giving six weeks' notice, unless the council makes a TPO in that time.
What happens if I don't give notice?
Work without notice is an offence, in the same way as work on a TPO tree without consent, and can lead to a fine.
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