Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in Chichester: What You Need to Know Before Carrying Out Tree Work
When it comes to managing trees on your property, especially in historic and conservation-rich areas like Chichester and West Sussex, one legal term often causes confusion — the Tree Preservation Order, or TPO.
If you’re planning to prune, reduce, or remove a tree, you must check whether it’s protected, or risk serious penalties. In this article, we break down what TPOs are, why they matter, and how Chichester Tree Solutions (CTS) helps clients navigate tree care legally and responsibly.
What Is a Tree Preservation Order?
A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a legal designation made by your local authority (in this case, Chichester District Council) to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or entire woodlands from being cut down, topped, lopped, uprooted, or otherwise damaged without permission.
TPOs are put in place to preserve trees that:
Have significant visual amenity
Support local wildlife
Are of historic or environmental importance
TPOs apply to both residential and commercial landowners — and cover both single trees and groups or rows.
How to Know If a Tree Has a TPO in Chichester
Before carrying out any tree work, you should:
Check online via the Chichester District Council TPO Map (or call the council’s tree officer).
Contact CTS — we regularly handle checks and can manage the process on your behalf.
Be aware that trees in Conservation Areas (like parts of Chichester, Bosham, and the Witterings) often carry additional restrictions even if not protected by a formal TPO.
What Happens If You Breach a TPO?
Unauthorised work on a protected tree is a criminal offence.
Fines can be up to:
£20,000 per tree for unauthorised felling
Unlimited fines for more serious offences in Crown Courts
These regulations are enforced — and not knowing the law is not considered a defence.
When Is Tree Work Allowed on Protected Trees?
You can still carry out work with permission if:
The tree is dangerous or diseased
It poses a risk to buildings, driveways, or utility services
You need to make reasonable safety or health adjustments
In most cases, you’ll need to:
Submit a tree works application to the council
Provide arboricultural justification
Wait for formal written consent
CTS handles this process from start to finish — from assessments to paperwork.
Our Role: How CTS Helps With TPOs
At Chichester Tree Solutions, we help clients:
Check TPO status
Apply for permission for works on protected trees
Provide risk assessments, reports, and justifications
Liaise with the local council tree officers
Carry out work to BS3998 standards, ensuring compliance
This is particularly valuable for:
Homeowners selling, buying, or upgrading a property
Developers planning new builds near established trees
Estate managers responsible for compliance and safety
Case Study: TPO Tree Removal for a Chichester Property Renovation
One of our recent clients in Summersdale needed to remove a large sycamore tree for an extension project — but it was subject to a TPO.
We carried out:
A site survey
Arboricultural impact report
Liaison with the council tree officer
Removal once permission was granted
Our involvement saved the client months of delays and ensured full compliance.
Common Questions About TPOs
Q: Can I prune a tree myself if it’s protected?
A: Only with permission, and only to the extent approved. Pruning without consent is still a breach.
Q: What if a storm damages the tree?
A: You may carry out urgent work to make it safe, but you must notify the council within 5 days.
Q: Does a TPO reduce property value?
A: Not necessarily. Protected trees can enhance property appeal — especially when responsibly maintained.
Final Word: Always Check Before You Cut
Whether you’re a homeowner with a single tree or a developer working on a larger site, understanding and respecting Tree Preservation Orders is essential. Don’t take risks with compliance — or with the health and safety of your trees.
Let Chichester Tree Solutions (CTS) manage the process for you. We offer full TPO support, from paperwork to precision tree work, across Chichester, West Sussex, and the wider South Coast.
For further information on Tree Preservation Orders in Chichester and surrounding areas please visit Chichester District Council’s website here.
The information provided in our content is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations, standards, or best practices. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all guidance is subject to change and may not apply to your specific circumstances. We recommend consulting with qualified professionals or your local authority before undertaking any tree work or related activities. Chichester Tree Solutions accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on this material.
