Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a written order made by the Council to protect certain important trees, tree groups or woodlands. In general, the order, makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protect by that order without the authority’s permission.

The purpose of a TPO is to protect trees which bring significant amenity benefits to the local area. This protection is particularly important where trees are under threat. All types and species of tree can be protected, but not hedges, bushes or shrubs; however no species is automatically protected by a tree preservation order.

How can I view Tree Preservation Order documents?

Our online map shows the location of Tree Preservation Orders and conservation areas within the borough:

Conservation, Heritage and Enforcement Web Map

You can search for a TPO using either the case number or address.

Search for a TPO 

If no documents are returned please contact planning@solihull.gov.uk or call 0121 704 8008 to arrange to view the Order.

To request a copy of a known TPO please email landcharges@solihull.gov.uk quoting the reference of the TPO number.

Requesting a Tree Preservation Order

If you are concerned about a particular tree in your area and would like us to consider making a Tree Preservation Order then please email planning@solihull.gov.uk providing the following details:

  • details of the location of the tree, including a sketch plan showing the position of the tree
  • the species of the tree
  • the reasons why you would like the see the tree preserved

We will then make a formal assessment of the tree assessing:

  • amenity - including the condition of the tree, the retention span and public visibility of the tree
  • expediency - how immediate is the threat to the tree

Following the assessment, a decision will be taken into whether an order is required and our website will be updated accordingly.

Works to Protected Trees

If you wish to undertake felling or any form of pruning to any protected tree you need to submit a treeworks application form together with a sketch plan showing the location of the tree. Your application will then be assessed by our Tree Officers.

You will need to provide a clear and precise description of works and it can be helpful to provide annotated photographs the works you would like to undertake. Further help can be found within the Government Guidance Notes.

Trees within Conservation Areas

A conservation area is an area which has been designated because of its special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. In Solihull, we have 20 Conservation areas.

Any tree, located within a conservation area, over 75mm in diameter at 1.5m above ground level is given automatic protection and no cutting, removal, wilful damage or destruction is allowed without giving prior notification to the Local Planning Authority.

The Local Planning Authority then has the opportunity to determine whether the tree should be made the subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

If you wish to carry out works to a tree within a conservation area, you should complete a treeworks application form and return this to either planning@solihull.gov.uk or Development Management, SMBC, Council House, Manor Square, Solihull, B91 3QB.

All applications for works to both trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order and with Conservation Areas are available to view through our Public Access system.

Wilful destruction of a TPO tree without is a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of £20,000. We urge anyone with information to let us know immediately about the risk of damage to, destruction of or damage to a TPO Tree. You can report this by calling 0121 704 8008 and providing details of the location of the tree, when the works took place.

You can also report damage to a protected tree online.

Report damage to a protected tree

Report a dead or dangerous tree on Council Land

You can report a dead or dangerous tree by calling 0121 704 8000. We can only attend to trees on Council owned land.