Tree Works Applications

If you have commissioned an arboricultural report (tree survey), this can be submitted as supporting information. However you must outline the works that you are applying for in this section as well.

You should:

• Identify each tree species 
• Make sure the numbering matches that used on the sketch plan 
• Provide a full and clear specification of the work you want to carry out. The only time we will accept a percentage is for crown thinning. A proposal simply to 'cut back', 'prune' or 'lop' a tree is too vague, because it fails to identify the extent of the works. Instead, try to use descriptions such as:
  • crown thinning, e.g. crown thinning by up to 20%
  • crown height reduction, e.g. crown height reduction by up to 2 metres
  • lateral crown reduction, e.g. lateral crown reduction by up to 2 metres on West side
  • crown lifting, e.g. crown raise up to 3 metres from ground level on South side
  • removal of specific limbs, e.g. removal of broken limb on East side at approx. 3 metres from ground level

All dimensions provided must be in metres.

It will help if you can provide current photos of the tree(s) you are proposing to work on, indicating (for example) which branches you wish to remove, or the height by which you want to reduce the crown.

Supporting photographs of the tree(s) as a whole and close ups of damage or disease can also help speed up the assessment process, particularly in applications for minor works. However, you should not put yourself at risk to take these photos.

Please note that photographs will not be accepted instead of a location plan and description of planned works.

Sketch Plan

Your sketch plan should be clear and simple, and must show the following:

• Tree position(s) in relation to buildings, roads and site boundaries
• Number and/or name
• The property on which the tree is located
• All relevant fixed features or structures such as buildings or roads.
• An arrow indicating the direction of North

The plan must identify the tree(s) on which work is proposed, and the tree identification numbers (e.g. T1, T2 etc.) must match the tree identification number in the description of proposed works.

You can submit the plan separately from the form as a supporting document if you prefer.

Please note, due to copyright laws, we cannot accept unlicensed aerial photographs or maps sourced from internet providers such as GoogleEarth.

We also cannot accept plans printed from our Interactive Mapping Service or those issued with the original Tree Preservation Order. This is because the copyright is held by Ordnance Survey and provided to the Council under licence.

Maps and site plans can be purchased from a number of retailers online or from the Planning Portal.