How do you know if there's a preservation order on a tree?

[MrsMuddle]

We have a huge tree in the garden that's blocking light into our home and our neighbour's garden. It towers over the house, and if it fell down it would land on the house.

Every year, a Traveller comes and cuts the other trees, so I've asked him to cut the big tree down. He's happy to do it as long as there's not a TPO on it.

How do I find out if there is? I don't live in a conservation area or listed building or anything, and the tree is completely in my grounds.

Ring your local council - or it might be listed on your deeds.

Local council will have a database.

this happened to a woman I used to work with. She wanted a tree in her front garden lopped but thought she should check if there was a TPO on it. She called the Council who came and said there wasnt but then slapped one on it. she was livid! So, see if you can search without alerting the officials

do not cut trees down

The local council will have a database not to sure that councils are that forward in thier organisation

Try the local library, they will know where lists of such things are kept and if not will find the list for you.

Just dont give your address and make out it is another tree you are interested in if needs be

You have to do it via your local planning department but at lot of them have on line databases you can search (so you don't have to "speak" to anyone and potentially alert them to it)

If you look on your council website you should find the number of the relevant department. In mine it is part of the planning department. They look up a database so the chance of them coming round to look atyour tree and slapping a TPO on it is pretty slim unless they are very underworked.

Having worked in a planning department, ring your local council. The planning department will have the appropriate records. You may be able to visit the offices, and do the search yourself. Even if it has aTPO you can make an application ofr work to be carried out. The tree officer should be able to advise you. A good prune may make it safer, but a genuine risk to your property sould be sufficient grounds to fell it.

Thanks everyone. I didn't want to alert the council in case Jampot's scenario happened. It's not a particularly old or beautiful tree so I can't imagine that there is a TPO on it.

Stephen99, if I don't get it cut down, it's likely to either crash down on our roof someday, or lift the house up with its roots. It's an really inappropriate size for it its position.

Message withdrawn

Don't prune it without finding out if it has a TPO on - TPO's prevent ANY work on trees, not just felling.

And felling/pruning without consent is a criminal offence. If it has a TPO on you make an application to do the work in a similar way to making a planning application.

Don't risk it! (I am speaking as a tree-hugger and a property lawyer!!)