For emergency tree work on council land, including fallen trees on roads and pavements, contact the Forestry team.
Before doing work on or cutting down a tree, you need to check:
- if it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
- if it is in a Conservation Area
- if there are any existing planning or legal conditions which protect it
- whether you need a felling licence from the Forestry Commission
- whether it is part of a protected countryside hedgerow
Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)
You must get permission for carrying out any work on a tree which is covered by a TPO.
You can find out whether a tree is covered by a TPO online:
You may be prosecuted for working on or removing these trees without permission.
Conservation Areas
You must get permission before working on any tree which is within a Conservation Area. The exceptions are trees which:
- have trunks smaller than 7.5cm in diameter (roughly an adult's wrist size) at 1.5m height above ground level
- are commercially cultivated for fruit
- are dangerous
You must apply for permission at least 6 weeks in advance of any proposed work to trees. This gives us time to assess the contribution the tree makes to the character of the Conservation Area, and whether to allow the work to take place.
Protected trees that are dangerous, diseased or dead
Different rules apply if the protected tree is dead, or appears to be dangerous. Examples of when a tree may be dangerous are given in this Obvious Tree Risk Features handout produced by VALID.
If you suspect the tree is dangerous, seek expert advice; do not put yourself at risk inspecting a suspected dangerous tree.
Where protected trees are dead or dangerous and emergency works are required, you must provide the council with written notice at least 5 working days prior to the date on which the works are to be commenced.
The council can be contacted at landscape.planning@leeds.gov.uk. They will require the following information:
- the location of the tree (either a plan with street names or a what3words location)
- photographic evidence of the tree, including a photo of the full tree and a photo that demonstrates why you believe it is dangerous, diseased or dead
- your email address so that tree officers can respond directly to your enquiry and advise appropriately
You are also advised to consult an arboriculturist or arborist regarding the tree, and retain sections of the felled timber.
If the tree is protected you may have to plant a replacement tree to maintain the character of the area.
Works to protected trees that take place without the correct authorisation from Leeds City Council may be liable to enforcement action.
If you suspect works are being undertaken on a protected tree
- Check if the tree, or group of trees is protected by checking the TPO map (which includes Conservation Areas).
- Search Public Access for a recent tree works application. Use the location address to find related applications; tree works applications will have a TR suffix such as 26/01234/TR.
If you are still concerned, email details of the location and your concerns to landscape.planning@leeds.gov.uk.
