Stump Removal and Tree Surgery in Guildford | What Are TPOs and How Do I Comply with Them?

Are you in need of a tree surgeon in and around Guildford? LJN Tree Surgery is here to help. We specialise in non-chemical stump removal in the form of stump grinding, site clearances, and other tree work in the local Surrey area.

If you have already started researching the various types of tree care available, you may have encountered the term TPO. These are not to be ignored, as you could face legal action from the local authority. We would like to explain exactly what TPOs are and how you can ensure tree pruning in Guildford fully complies with them.

Looking for a professional to grind tree stumps, prune trees or remove hedges? Give our team a call and we’ll be happy to help. We also undertake land clearances and fence installations.

What is a TPO?

TPO is shorthand for ‘tree preservation order.’ It is a legal written document that protects trees for environmental and aesthetic reasons, as well as for the enjoyment of the public. A TPO can protect anything from a single tree to an entire area.

A TPO can come from numerous sources. These include your local authority or borough council and a national park authority. If a tree has protected status, you cannot:

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    Cut it down

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    Uproot it

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    Wilfully damage it

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    Perform unauthorised tree pruning or other tree work

TPOs do not extend to hedges, shrubs and bushes.

You cannot simply ignore a TPO. You will be charged if you proceed with any tree work without addressing it. With this in mind, it’s important to check for TPOs before any tree surgery, stump removals, stump grinding, site clearances or any tree work can begin.

Is My Tree Protected?

You should contact your local planning authority for all the information you need about TPOs relating to trees on your property in Guildford or the surrounding areas. They will allow you to inspect the records for all necessary details.

What is the Process for Notification of Proposed Tree Work?

As qualified tree surgeons, we are familiar with the documentation needed to notify your local authority about proposed protected tree care, whether for an individual tree or as part of wider land clearance or management. The local authority will inform you on how to get the necessary form.

When filling out this paperwork, you must be clear about the type of tree surgery you want us to perform and why it is necessary. As your chosen professionals, we can help make your case by assessing the tree’s health and the surrounding environment.

However, the procedure is different if your tree:

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    Is already dead

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    Is an urgent risk to health and safety

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    Interferes with approved planning

It’s best to check with your local authority in Guildford regarding the process for these situations.

While the notification period varies from case to case, the average time for a response regarding tree surgery on a protected tree is around eight weeks. As specialists in all kinds of tree work (including site clearances, non-chemical stump removal, and stump grinding), we’re experienced tree surgeons who can provide any further advice on this or any related issues.

Whether you need us to grind tree stumps, reduce a tree or clear a garden, we deliver reliable, compliant solutions.

LJN Ltd
Do you need tree work on a protected tree in Guildford? Call LJN Ltd on 07734 703 854 or 01483 267 739. We use our expertise in tree surgery to guide you through the process from start to finish.