Protected trees

Some trees are protected if removing or altering them would have a significant negative impact on an area.

You could face a fine of up to £20,000 for carrying out work on protected trees without permission.

You will need permission from us to work on trees if they are:

• covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
• located in a conservation area
• protected as a condition of a planning permission

Apply for permission to work on a protected tree on the eDevelopment Scotland website

Register of Tree Protection Orders (TPOs)

We keep a register of all trees that are protected.

View the Tree Protection Order register in conservation and regeneration documents.

Requests for new TPOs

August 2024 – Due to the current level of planning applications and planning enquiries, we are currently unable to accept new requests for Tree Preservation Orders. 

Unprotected trees

You don't need permission to carry out work on trees that aren't protected. You will need a felling licence from Scottish Forestry if you're felling more than 5 cubic metres. Go to felling permission – application guidance on the Scottish Forestry website.