Only trees with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm at 1.5m above ground level are protected. The difference from a TPO is rather than obtaining permission from the council, you are required to give 6 weeks written notification of your intention to carry out these works. The council has the opportunity to decide if the tree is worthy of a TPO, however if you don't receive a response within the 6 weeks then you are able to proceed with the works.  With the TPO applications you must wait for a decision before undertaking any works.

No, this means you will require consent from us first. An application needs to be submitted, via the planning portal, or by requesting an application form from our tree team. There is no cost for the application, and this usually takes up to 6 weeks for a tree in a conservation area, or 8 weeks for a TPO tree. Our tree officer will come out to site within the allotted timeframe, to make their decision on your application.

With regards to a TPO tree you must not carry out any works to the trees, before you have consent from us by receiving the decision notice. For a tree in a Conservation area, once the 6 weeks’ timeframe has elapsed, you are within rights to proceed with the tree works.

No there is currently no fee for applying to work on a TPO/tree in a conservation area.

We are unable to advise private tree owners on the safety of their tree or what works the tree may require. We recommend tree owners speak with a Tree Consultant or Tree Surgeon before contacting the Council.

It is the land owner’s responsibility to carry out any tree maintenance, and ensure the tree is kept in a safe condition, even if the tree is protected. If the tree is on council land, we will maintain it, however if the tree is on private property, it is up to the land owner to maintain. The council will not pay for any works to protected trees, as all land owners are responsible.

You have a common law right to cut back to the boundary line, however the branches must be offered back to the owner. If the tree is located within the conservation area/covered by a TPO then the common law right is lost. At this point an application must be submitted.

Yes, if the tree is dead or dangerous, a 5 day notice could be granted by our tree officers, instead of submitting an application. If you believe the tree is dead/dangerous, please email a photograph to naturalenvironment@winchester.gov.uk for our tree officers to asses. Dead wooding a tree, or removing damaged limbs does not require formal consent, however we ask that you inform us beforehand.

If you are a council tenant, and require tree works on a tree on your property, you will need to speak to the housing team. They will send their tree officer out who will assess the works. Please contact Caroline Robinson on 01962 848 391 or email crobinson@winchester.gov.uk.

We are happy to email a copy of the TPO - we will require the address/TPO number.

If a TPO application has been submitted, the neighbours will be notified. An orange site notice will also be placed at the applicant’s house, and anyone can submit a comment regarding the application. With a Conservation area, neighbours are not notified, however you can find the application on the weekly list (planningapps.winchester.gov.uk)

Anyone can submit an application, however they will need the permission of the land owner to carry out the works. We are unable to get involved with neighbour disputes. We recommend speaking to the land owner before submitting the application, to ensure they are happy for you to proceed with the works, should they get accepted. If you are concerned that a neighbour’s tree is affecting your property, it would be worth contacting your insurer to establish how to proceed.

Anyone can apply for a TPO, however this does not guarantee one will be placed. TPO’s protect all kinds of trees – single trees, groups of trees, or an area of woodland. Our tree officers, and the planning department will determine whether the making of a new TPO is appropriate. Many factors are taken into consideration such as amenity value, and the threat to the tree. If granted a provisional TPO will be placed, and then taken to the planning committee where members will either confirm or revoke the TPO. If you would like to take a look at the process of applying for a TPO, please speak to a member of the tree team.