Across Somerset, trees can be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or by being located within a conservation area – a safeguard designed to preserve established trees that contribute to the character of our towns, villages and surrounding landscapes.
Larger garden redesigns often hinge on the position of established trees. Their root systems and canopy restrictions can completely change where you are allowed to build a new patio, install a garden structure, or lay out a planting scheme.
Here at Sibley Landscapes, we provide professional tree care and hedge maintenance throughout Somerset and the South West. With over 15 years of industry experience, our team can help homeowners assess their trees and plan appropriate work as part of their wider garden improvements.
Understanding how protected trees are managed
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
A Tree Preservation Order is a legal protection placed on a tree by a local planning authority. Its purpose is to safeguard trees that make a valuable contribution to the appearance and character of their surroundings.
A TPO can apply to an individual tree, a group of trees or an entire woodland. Any species of tree can potentially be protected, and the restrictions apply regardless of whether the tree is growing on private property.
If your tree is covered by a TPO, you will generally need written consent from your local planning authority before carrying out work such as pruning, crown reduction or removal.
This can also apply to work that might seem relatively minor. Indeed, cutting back protected branches without the appropriate permission can constitute an offence, so checking the status of a tree should always be your starting point.
You can find further information and check local records through Somerset Council's Tree Preservation Order guidance.
The six-week notification rule
What if your garden is in a conservation area?
Conservation areas are designated to protect places with special architectural or historic interest. Many Somerset towns and villages contain conservation areas, and the designation can affect what you are permitted to do with trees in your garden.
Even if a tree does not have an individual TPO, it may still be protected because of its location.
For most trees within a conservation area, where the trunk diameter exceeds 75mm when measured 1.5 metres above ground level, homeowners must give the local planning authority six weeks' written notice before carrying out pruning or removal.
During this six-week notice period, local planners review the proposed work to ensure it won’t harm the local area. If they feel the tree is too valuable to lose, they may issue a formal Tree Preservation Order to secure its long-term future.
If the council confirms that the work can proceed, you may be able to begin before the six weeks have elapsed. Otherwise, you must allow the full notification period to pass and ensure that no new TPO has been made.
Homeowners can check the relevant requirements through Somerset Council's conservation area guidance.
Establishing permissions before work begins
How do you check if a tree is protected?
If you are unsure whether a tree in your garden is protected, the best approach is to check with your local planning authority before arranging any work.
Somerset Council provides online TPO searches for the former district council areas, while Bath & North East Somerset Council offers mapping information covering protected trees and conservation areas.
When making an enquiry, it helps to have the property address, photographs of the tree and a clear explanation of the work you are considering.
For trees covered by a TPO, the council generally has up to eight weeks to determine an application. Conservation area notifications usually follow the six-week process.
There are limited exemptions, including certain works involving dead or dangerous trees – but specific conditions and notification requirements apply. Somerset Council normally requires at least five working days' notice for qualifying works, except where an immediate emergency makes this impractical.
If you believe a tree presents a safety risk, professional assessment and guidance from the council are advisable before proceeding.
Working existing trees into your garden plans
How do protected trees affect landscaping projects?
A well-established tree can be a beautiful natural anchor within a garden design project, but its root systems and canopy dictate what can be built around them.
Designing a new layout means factoring their health into every stage of the project – from the positioning of patios and garden walls to the installation of drainage. Heavy excavation or altering ground levels too close to an established tree can easily sever critical roots, permanently damaging its stability and long-term health.
At Sibley Landscapes, we consider existing trees and planting alongside each project's practical requirements. Our team handles groundwork, structural landscaping and planting, with the experience to plan outdoor improvements around the features already present.
Keeping established trees healthy and safe
Professional tree care in Somerset
Regular tree maintenance can help address damaged branches, encourage healthy growth and maintain an appropriate shape as trees develop. Our trees and hedges service includes professional pruning, crown thinning, reshaping, tree removal and stump grinding, alongside hedge management and planting.
Our qualified arborists can assess a tree's condition and recommend appropriate work based on its health, structure, and surrounding environment.
Managing protected trees in Somerset requires a careful balance between necessary maintenance and local planning laws. Securing the right permissions ensures your tree care is legal, protecting you from heavy penalties while keeping the trees healthy and safe.
Speak to an experienced local landscaping team
Planning tree work in your Somerset garden?
If you are considering tree pruning, removal or a garden transformation involving established trees, checking their protection status early can help avoid unexpected delays.
At Sibley Landscapes, our experienced team provides professional tree care and landscaping services across Somerset, Devon and the surrounding areas. We work closely with homeowners to understand their gardens, assess practical requirements and deliver work to a high standard.
Why not get in touch with Sibley Landscapes to discuss your garden and request a free, no-obligation quote.
Posted by Luke Clark on October 14th 2026
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