Trees and hedges

We deal with all matters concerning trees on land that is within the New Forest district but outside of the National Park boundary, except those on highways land.

This includes trees that are:

• protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
• growing within conservation areas
• affected by planning considerations.

You can view information and the standards that we expect for new development proposals and works to protected trees with specific reference to the retention, protection and provision of trees at the link below:

Tree Protection and Development Guidance [2.79MB]

To discuss any of the above relating to trees in private ownership, contact us by email to trees@nfdc.gov.uk or call us on 023 8028 5345 (option one).  Our corporate tree team deals with Trees on council land

For issues relating to a tree that is on the public highway you will need to contact Hampshire County Council using the link below.

Report a tree problem on the highway

If you want to contact us regarding a neighbour's hedge being too high, find out how to make a high hedge complaint.

Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) protects trees in the interest of public amenity. A TPO can apply to:

• a single tree
• a group of trees
• a woodland or an area of trees.

The trees can be of any size, species or age.

A TPO makes it a criminal offence to cut down, uproot, prune, damage or destroy the tree or trees without the appropriate permissions.

Locate trees with a TPO

To find out whether a tree is protected with a TPO, you can either use our map or use the form below.

 View map of Tree Preservation Orders

View Tree Preservation Orders using our online form 

If you think a tree should be protected by a new TPO, let us know by email to trees@nfdc.gov.uk.

Works to a tree with a TPO

If you wish to carry out works to any tree protected by a TPO, you must submit a planning application.

Alternatively, you can submit an application for tree works using the form below.

Tree Works Application Form [729.65KB]

For guidance on submitting your tree works application, download the document below.

Tree Works Application Guidance [183.51KB]

There are no fees for TPO applications or notifications to carry out works to protected trees.

You can view the list of current tree work applications using the link below.

View tree work applications

Hedgerow removal notice

We have the power to protect hedges in the countryside that are of importance, either ecologically or historically. The Hedgerow Regulations, introduced in 1997, require that anyone who wishes to remove a hedge in the countryside must notify us by submitting an application for Hedgerow Removal Notice. 

If you wish to remove a hedgerow, you should contact us first to check if you require consent. 

You can submit an application form using the form at the link below:

Submit an application