You can save a tree!

We are incredibly lucky to live in an area with so many trees for us enjoy and for the benefit of the natural environment. With increasing pressure from housing development, we must do all we can to protect what we have. Fortunately there is legislation for exactly that – the Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

If you think that there is a risk of destruction or serious damage to a tree that you consider is particularly significant in the landscape, you can request a TPO from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC). You don’t have to own the tree to apply!  For a TPO to be granted, it must be a tree (not a shrub) with a “significant public visual amenity” – in other words, that tree forms an important part of the view and surrounding environment. If a TPO is granted, the owner or person(s) responsible for managing it must not fell or cut it back without applying to the local council for permission. Reasonable maintenance work is usually granted after review by an arboriculture officer, but permission for major cutting or felling is much more difficult to obtain. It is unlikely that permission will be granted unless there is a very good reason, the most common being the health of the tree or a significant safety issue.

It’s important to note that ALL trees in a Conservation Area (such as Arford) over 7.5cm in diameter have the equivalent of a TPO, and you cannot fell or cut back any of these trees without applying for permission.

TPOs today apply to single trees, but in the past whole areas were given TPO status, which still apply such as in Headley Down. If you want to check which trees in your area already have a TPO, you can do so with this interactive map

To apply for a TPO you can either make a request online or post all the relevant information to; EHDC, PO Box 310, Petersfield, GU32 9HN.