1. Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
What is a TPO?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is made to protect trees of significant landscape or amenity value. It is a criminal offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, damage, or destroy a tree protected by a TPO without consent from the Council.
Many trees in Exeter are protected either through a TPO or by being located within a Conservation Area, where trees receive automatic protection.
If your tree is protected in either of these ways, you must obtain permission from the Council before carrying out any works.
Please use our map to find out if your tree is protected by TPO legislation.
Requesting a Copy of a TPO
To request a copy of a TPO affecting your property, please contact us online and provide:
- The property address
- The TPO reference number (if known – this will help us respond more quickly)
This document will include a map that shows the exact location of the tree and a brief explanation about the tree protected.
Emergency Works on Protected Trees
If a protected tree is dead or poses an immediate danger, and urgent work is required, you must contact us immediately with:
- The tree’s location
- A description of the issue
- Details of the proposed works
- Supporting photographs (if possible)
- A contact telephone number
You must not commence works (except where there is a risk of serious harm) until you receive written agreement from us.
If emergency works must proceed without prior agreement, you are advised to:
- Take clear photographic evidence before starting
- Undertake only the minimum necessary work to make the tree safe
Unauthorised works may result in criminal prosecution and a fine.