Guide
Trees and hedgerows: quick reference for businesses
Quick reference covering felling licence thresholds, Tree Preservation Order penalties, hedgerow notification periods, conservation area rules, restocking obligations, and key contact points for businesses managing trees and hedgerows.
About this reference
This page brings together the key rules, thresholds, and penalties for businesses that manage or work with trees and hedgerows. Use it as a quick lookup when you need to check a specific requirement. For detailed guidance on each topic, follow the links to the relevant guide pages.
Felling licence requirements
You usually need a felling licence from the Forestry Commission before felling growing trees in England. The main exemption is the quarterly volume allowance.
Tree Preservation Orders
Trees protected by a TPO cannot be cut down, topped, lopped, uprooted, or wilfully damaged without the consent of the local planning authority. Penalties are severe.
Hedgerow removal
Removing or destroying a hedgerow in the countryside requires a formal notice to the local planning authority, unless an exemption applies.
Trees in conservation areas
Trees in conservation areas have additional protection under the planning system, separate from both felling licences and TPOs.