Carrying out works on protected trees
What you should do if you want undertake work on trees that are in a conservation area or are covered by a tree preservation order.
When you need to send an application
You must complete a tree works form if the tree or trees are:
- covered by a tree preservation order (TPO)
- within a conservation area you must notify Stirling Council of your intention to undertake tree works. If you are unsure whether your tree is within a conservation area please check Conservation Area maps
You must also apply if you need permission in writing because of a specific planning consent condition.
If the trees are protected by a planning consent condition, you might need to submit a new planning application or contact Planning Services or a Planning Officer for further information by contact our planning team.
Email address - planning@stirling.gov.uk
Contact number - 01786 233660
You can view the conditions of a planning permission by searching the Planning Portal for the relevant planning application.
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It's an offence to cut down, lop, top, uproot or wilfully damage or destroy a protected tree without council permission. If you do this, you might get a fine of up to £20,000.
Tree report
We encourage you to get a tree survey report and submit this with photos along with your application. You can get this from a qualified arboricultural consultant or tree surgeon.
Submitting your form
There are 3 options available.
1) The online form can be used to submit your application.
2) Download and complete our tree works form and email the completed form to planning@stirling.gov.uk, or post it to the address on the form.
3) Getting Started on ePlanning Scotland
- You will need to create an account if you don’t have one already
- ePlanning has a user guide on how to set up and manage your account. Use the correct form (Tree Works form) and read the ePlanning Guidance notes for Tree Works
- Tick the correct box i.e. whether you propose to do work to trees which are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or whether the trees are within a conservation area
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Ensure you submit the Conservation Area notification form at least six weeks prior to commencing any tree works, or allow eight weeks for a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) tree works application.
Fees
There is no fee applied
What happens once the application/notification is submitted?
- you will receive an acknowledgement by email or post
- you may be asked for more information or to correct information to be submitted
- your submission will be assessed, and you will receive a decision from the Planning Authority
- further information can be found in SG 32 Trees and the Law
Emergency work to protected trees
You might not need to get permission if a tree is:
- dead
- dying
- in a dangerous condition
However, if this is the case:
- you still need to send the council photos and a written notice about your proposed works
- you should give us at least 5 days' notice before any work commences or, if it's emergency work, notify us as soon as possible afterwards
Before you carry out work, a suitably qualified arboricultural consultant or tree surgeon must provide proof of the tree's condition.
If you fell any trees, you'll normally need to replant them.
When trees in conservation areas are exempt
You do not need to complete an application in cases where:
- a healthy tree measures less than 7.5cm in diameter at a height of 1.5m above the ground
- you're pruning a tree that's being used to produce fruit
Works to shrubs and hedges are also exempt. This includes their removal.