Need Help Checking Permissions for Tree Work in Lincoln

Emily Mumford
Nov 27
3 min read

Crown reduction in Lincoln to a tree with a TPO Tree Protection Order

⚠️ What the Law Says: TPOs and Conservation Area Tree-Work

🌲 Trees under a TPO

When a tree (or woodland / group of trees) is covered by a TPO:

A local planning authority (LPA) may make a TPO “in relation to trees or woodlands” if it considers it “expedient in the interests of amenity.”
The TPO may prohibit, without prior written consent, actions including: cutting down; topping; lopping; uprooting; willful damage or destruction of protected trees.
Under the 2012 Regulations, any application to carry out work on protected trees must follow the formal application procedure; unauthorised works are an offence - subject to court proceedings and large fines.
Works to dead, dying, or dangerous trees may be exempt (subject to qualifying conditions) — but any professional tree surgeon, will be able to offer advice and will be able to show evidence to the Local Authority (e.g. the tree’s dangerous state) in cases of emergency work.

🏛 Trees in a Conservation Area (without TPO)

Even if no TPO is in force, trees inside designated Conservation Areas enjoy protections under the same Act:

Town and Country Planning Act 1990, Section 211 provides that for any tree in a Conservation Area (and not already subject to a TPO), it is an offence to carry out works “which might by virtue of section 198(3)(a)” (i.e. cuts, lop, top, uproot, or damage) unless certain conditions are met.
To avoid the offence: you must first serve written notice of your intention to the local planning authority (LPA), giving “sufficient particulars to identify the tree.”
After notice, you must either obtain the LPA’s consent, or wait out a six-week notification period (unless the council objects or serves a TPO) before beginning work.

✅ What This Means in Practice When You Need Tree Work

Before doing any tree work on a tree that is either under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO’ed) or in a Conservation Area, you must either get written consent (for TPO trees) or serve the statutory 6-week notice (for conservation-area trees).
Carrying out unauthorised work on protected trees is a criminal offence — tree work can only be undertaken if you have authorisation or a clear 5-day notice exemption (e.g. dangerously unstable tree).
Always check with the relevant local planning authority (Lincoln City, North Kesteven, West Lindsey) whether a tree is protected. most have an interactive map that shows TPOs and conservation-area designation.
For emergency work on dangerous trees, ensure your tree contractors maintain proper documentation (photos, condition reports) in case enforcement or verification is required.
All professional tree surgeons will check Conservation Area and TPO information on your behalf and will use the correct procedures (TPO application / CA notice) to ensure compliance with UK tree work legislation.

🔗 Where to Read the Full Legislation & Official Guidance

Full text of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Part VIII, Sections 197–214D) — on legislation.gov.uk
The Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012 — provides procedural detail for TPO consent and applications.
Official guidance document: “Tree Preservation Orders: A Guide to the Law and Good Practice” — useful summary for practitioners & homeowners.

How Springwood Tree Services Can Help With Tree Work on TPO

Tree work near Lincoln to protected trees

Protected Trees or Those in a Conservation Area.

Managing tree work on protected trees - whether they’re covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a Conservation Area - requires expert knowledge and strict compliance with UK planning law. At Springwood Tree Services Ltd, we take care of the entire process for homeowners, businesses, landlords and land managers across Lincoln, Lincolnshire and surrounding counties. Our qualified team handles TPO checks, Conservation Area notifications, and all required applications directly with the local authority, ensuring your project is fully lawful before any work begins. We provide detailed assessments, supporting evidence, and BS:3998 compliant work plans that councils expect, helping to prevent delays, refusals or enforcement issues. From routine pruning to storm-damage safety work, we ensure every operation on a protected tree is carried out safely, legally and with the utmost care for the tree’s long-term health - giving you complete peace of mind.