Construction & Property

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.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Check if you need a licence before cutting down trees. Some trees are protected, and you may need permission from your local council. For hedgerows, give 6 weeks' notice before removal unless exempt. Penalties for breaking these rules can be high.

  • Get a felling licence for trees over 8 cm diameter (England)
  • No licence needed for trees under 8 cm or in gardens
  • TPO trees need council permission before any work
  • Penalty for cutting TPO trees without permission: unlimited fine
  • Give 42 days' notice before removing countryside hedgerows
  • Trees in conservation areas need 6 weeks' notice
  • Felling licence applications take 8-12 weeks
  • Report dead or dangerous trees within 5 working days
  • Restocking may be required after felling
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Environment & Sustainability

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.

Key contacts and guidance