Trees

Trees make places work, look and feel better. Trees play a role in climate-proofing our neighbourhoods and supporting human health and environmental well-being; trees can also help to create conditions for economic success. Trees which are covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), or which are located within conservation areas, are protected by law. In these cases you will need permission from the City Council before you carry out work on them, unless the work is exempt.

For further information concerning trees please visit the Arboricultural Association's website.

Information on all other works to trees (not covered by TPOs or in conservation areas, and not high hedges) can be found in the  pdf City Council's tree information document (75 KB) . This includes dangerous trees and tree root issues.

Tree Preservation Orders

Tree Preservation Orders can be made by the local authority to protect trees for public enjoyment and amenity; these trees are protected by law, and unlawful works to them are an offence which can be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court or county court.

The City Council can provide information on which trees are covered by TPOs and how to apply for works to trees.

Trees in conservation areas

Trees in conservation areas are also protected by law, A ‘section 211 notice’ must be submitted, giving the local authority the option to make a Tree Preservation Order or to allow the work.

You can search My Local Area to see if your property is in a conservation area.

Tree Advisory Service

The Council provide owners of trees, covered by a Tree Preservation Order or within a conservation area, with pre-application advice to provide guidance on what tree works the Council could support, within a formal application.

The advice is based on a basic visual tree assessment of ground level only. Therefore, the tree owner may still need to employ the services of a consulting arborist, if defects are identified during the assessment that require further investigation. These could include decay detection, climbing assessments, or tree stability tests, which the Council does not have the equipment to undertake. 

The service costs £80 and includes a site visit and assessment of up to 20 trees. A short report and plan showing the estimated location of the trees will be provided within 14 days of the assessment, to aid with a formal application.

Please note: If more than 20 trees need to be assessed you will need to employ the services of a suitably qualified  pdf Consultant Arborist. (144 KB)

If you would like to utilise this service and are happy with the above terms, please select the following link, complete the on-line form, and make payment. Once your request has been received the Council's Tree and Landscape Officer will contact you to make an appointment within 14 days  Planning Pre Application - Worcester City Council

High Hedges

Hedges have many benefits; they can provide privacy and wind shelter and encourage wildlife. A hedge can also be an attractive feature in its own right. However, very high hedges can cause problems. Often the worst of these is the loss of sunlight and daylight to neighbouring gardens and houses. The City Council administers a process for determining disputes between neighbours over high hedges.

Who should undertake tree work?

It is always advisable to engage a competent and qualified Tree Contractor to carry out any work to trees. The City Council recommend you visit the Arboricultural Association’s web pages to find qualified Tree Contractors.