Report illegal work or damage to trees

Permission must be granted for work on trees with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or in a conservation area.

If this has not been done then the works are unauthorised and may be illegal.

If you see trees being cut down which you believe are protected

Contact us immediately.

Tell us as much as possible about the incident, for instance: a description of work being done; registration numbers of vehicles involved; if there is company name on the vehicles

Take photos if possible.

Tell us your name, address and telephone number and the location of the tree(s), and we will get someone out as soon as possible.

We cannot accept anonymous complaints.

If you see illegal work or damage to trees after it has been done

Download and fill in our form to report it.

Clock Completing this form takes around 10 minutes.

Download form

After you've applied

We will investigate the complaint and take action as necessary. This may be anything from a verbal or written warning, to a formal caution, to prosecution in the courts.

You will be notified of the outcome of your complaint.

Penalties for damage to trees

  • Up to £20,000 per offence for destroying a tree or carrying out works likely to destroy it.
  • Up to £2,500 for other offences such as damage to a tree that isn't likely to destroy it.
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