Protected trees

Some trees in the borough are important either because of their age or because of their prominence in the landscape. Where these trees are under threat we can step in to provide legal protection by making a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

The council designates conservation areas for their cultural and heritage importance, area of special architectural or historic interest, which has a character or appearance that is desirable to preserve. In a conservation area all trees with a trunk diameter greater than 7.5cm, when measured at 1.5m from ground level are protected.

Check whether a tree is protected

Please note that the map is not a definitive statement of the existence/non-existence of a TPO.

Contact us if you need a confirmation of a TPO.

Find out if a tree is protected

Instructions for using our mapping system(PDF) [109 kb]

Request a new TPO

If you would like to request a new TPO please read the leaflet below and complete the online application form.

Request for a New Tree Preservation Order(PDF) [158 kb]

Tree protection advice and guidance(PDF) [2 Mb]

TPOs currently under consideration

The Tree Preservation Orders below have recently been made by the council and we are in the process of deciding whether to make them permanent. If the consultation deadline has not passed, you can make a comment by email trees@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Applications submitted for tree works can be found on the planning applications portal.

Search for an application

Carrying out works to a protected tree

Trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and trees within Conservation Areas are legally protected. You must obtain the Council's written consent before carrying out any works, including pruning, lopping, topping, cutting roots, or felling a protected tree.

There is no fee for submitting an application for works to a protected tree.

Some works are exempt from the requirement to obtain consent, such as the removal of dead trees or dead branches. However, you are required to provide the Council with at least 5 days' notice before removing a dead tree. We also recommend notifying the Council before undertaking any deadwood removal works, as evidence may be required to demonstrate that an exemption applies. This can help avoid unnecessary investigations into alleged unauthorised works.

To apply for consent to carry out works to a protected tree, please use the Planning Portal.

Applications submitted electronically can be processed more efficiently. Paper applications will still be accepted; however, there may be delays in registration and validation. If a paper application is found to be invalid or requires further information, the documents may need to be returned for amendment before the application can proceed.

Once a valid application has been received, applications for works to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) will be determined in 8 weeks. Notifications for works to trees within a Conservation Area will be considered in 6 weeks.

Carrying out unauthorised works to a protected tree is a criminal offence and may result in enforcement action and prosecution. If you believe unauthorised works are being carried out to a protected tree, please contact us at trees@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Submit Online via Planning Portal

Application form for tree works

Help with completing your application

You might find the following documents helpful when completing your application:

Tree work application advice(PDF) [605 kb]

Example of an application(PDF) [144 kb]

Additional information template(PDF) [136 kb]

Penalties

It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage, or destroy a protected tree. The maximum fine in a Magistrate’s Court is £20,000 for each offence and in a Crown Court the fine is unlimited.

Further information

A protected tree's roots are damaging my drive/blocking my drains

Cutting the roots of any tree is generally not advised, as it may affect the tree's health and stability. If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, or if it is growing in a conservation area, an application will be required before root pruning can take place.

Tree roots are opportunistic, and if a pipe with poor joints is leaking into the surrounding soil, it will attract the roots. If repairs are required, a large number of tree roots often lead to the blame being placed with a nearby tree. However, replacing faulty drains/pipes with modern materials will usually eliminate the leak and stop problems.

Need advice or help with trees

Problems with an unhealthy tree not being safe. Assessments are best made by qualified experts.

We are unable to make specific recommendations, but we do keep copies of the Arboricultural Association’s directory of registered consultants and approved tree work contractors, which may be made available. They produces a leaflet on choosing an arborist (tree work contractor), which is available from the council email trees@basingstoke.gov.uk.

Details of tree consultants are available from the Arboricultural Association 01794 368717 or log on to their website Arboricultural Association.

Dangerous tree

If it is in your garden, you should contact a tree surgeon. If not, please let us know by visiting our report a problem with a council-owned tree page.

Trees on designated highway land

Trees growing on designated highway land, even if it is council owned land where the tree is growing, this includes many roadside trees this is managed by Hampshire Highways report any issues using the link below, or report a highways emergency that poses an immediate risk to the public call 0300 555 1388 (8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, outside of office hours call 101.

Report an issue with a roadside tree

Issues with neighbours trees/hedges

Issues of blocking light and shading between two properties are private matters. Generally, there is no right of light for one property over another. If this is an issue, you would be advised to seek independent legal advice.

Civil law allows you to remove any branches overhanging your property back to the actual boundary line, projected up into the airspace over the line. Please read our leaflet Tree Ownership and Responsibilities above.

Very large hedge for example Leylandii (cypress conifer), the government has introduced a law to tackle this problem, read our information on high hedges.