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A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is an order made by a local planning authority, such as Fareham Borough Council, which makes it an offence to cut down, lop, top, uproot, wilfully damage, or wilfully destroy a tree without first getting permission from us. They are usually made to protect trees that make a significant contribution to a public amenity or area. They may particularly be made when it is felt that a tree may be under threat.
Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) regulations 2012 
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All types of trees, native and ornamental, including hedgerow trees, may be the subject of a TPO. A TPO cannot protect hedges, bushes, or shrubs.
You can find out if a tree has a TPO by using our map of Protected Trees or contact our tree team with details of the address, location, and species of the tree. When you are buying a property the presence of a TPO should be revealed by the search of the local land charges register.
The owner of a protected tree is responsible for its maintenance, condition, and any damage it causes. However, if you are the owner, you will still need to get permission from us before carrying out most types of work. Details of how to apply can be found here. Tree work is a dangerous and highly skilled operation, and trees are complex living structures which are easily damaged by poor quality or unsympathetic tree work. We strongly advise you to talk to a professional arborist to advise you and undertake any necessary tree work.
Yes. When we make a TPO, we will send copies to the owner of the property and any adjoining properties which are affected.
To object to a new TPO or to express your support for it, write to us within the time allowed, usually 28 days after the order has been made. We will consider your comments when deciding whether or not to confirm the TPO.
If you deliberately destroy a protected tree or damage it in a manner likely to destroy it, you could be fined up to £20,000 if convicted in a magistrate's court. For other offences you can be fined up to £2,500. Furthermore, you will normally have to plant a new tree if the tree was cut down or destroyed.
In addition to TPO and conservation areas there are various other factors which may constrain work to trees. These include:
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