Do I need permission to cut down a tree?
Last updated 20/07/2026
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The three things that can protect a tree
- A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) placed by the council.
- Being inside a conservation area (automatic protection for trunks 75mm and over).
- Needing a Forestry Commission felling licence for larger volumes of timber.
Always check with your local council and use a qualified, insured arborist.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens if I cut down a protected tree without permission?
- It can be a criminal offence, with fines up to GBP 20,000 in the magistrates' court and unlimited fines in the Crown Court.
- Are trees in a conservation area automatically protected?
- Broadly yes. You usually must give the council six weeks' written notice before work on a tree with a trunk over 75mm in diameter.