Last updated: 20 November 2023

Next review: 20 November 2024

Section 198 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives us powers to make a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). This is to protect trees and woodlands for amenity purposes.

A tree preservation order (TPO) bans the cutting down, lopping, topping, uprooting, wilful damage, or destruction of tree(s) without our consent.

If you’re unsure whether a tree on your property is covered by a TPO, or if you live in a conservation area, please email treepreservation@walthamforest.gov.uk

You can also call us and ask for the duty planning officer.

Applying for works for protected trees

You can apply for works to protected trees on the Planning Portal. 

There, you’ll find full details of how to apply, and Government guidance on Tree Protection Orders.

Emergencies

Give us at least five days’ notice before doing any works necessary, where a protected tree is considered to be dead or dangerous.

Send the notice plus photographic evidence to: treepreservation@walthamforest.gov.uk.

Tree Preservation

Design and conservation

Mike Punchard (Tree Preservation Officer)
Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow
London E17 4JF

Help with completing online forms

For those without computers, you can use a self-service PC in any Waltham Forest Library

Staff there can help you to log in and create a MyAccount.