top of page
top of conifer_edited.jpg

Tree Preservation Orders & Planning Advice – West Highland Tree Services

​

Planning to remove a tree, carry out pruning, or undertake tree surgery on your property? Before arranging any work, it is important to check whether your tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), located within a conservation area, or subject to other restrictions.

​

At West Highland Tree Services, we understand that navigating tree protection regulations can sometimes be confusing. We provide professional tree surgery services throughout Fort William, Lochaber, the Isle of Skye and the surrounding Scottish Highlands, helping property owners understand the considerations involved before arranging tree work.

​

Whether you are dealing with an overgrown tree, a potentially dangerous branch, or planning to clear space for landscaping, we can discuss your requirements and help you understand the next steps before work begins.

​

What Is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

​

A Tree Preservation Order is a legal protection placed on individual trees, groups of trees, or woodland by a local planning authority. These orders are generally used to protect trees that contribute to the character, appearance, or environmental value of an area.

​

If a tree is protected by a TPO, permission from the relevant planning authority is generally required before carrying out work such as:

​

  • Felling or removing the tree.

  • Cutting back or pruning branches.

  • Crown reduction or crown thinning.

  • Uprooting or otherwise damaging the tree.

​

Carrying out unauthorised work on a protected tree can result in legal consequences.

If you are unsure whether your tree is protected, it is always advisable to check with your local council before arranging any work.

​

Trees in Conservation Areas

​

Trees located within designated conservation areas may also benefit from additional protection, even if they are not covered by an individual Tree Preservation Order.

​

In Scotland, certain tree works within conservation areas require six weeks' prior notice to the local planning authority. This allows the council time to consider whether additional protection is necessary.

​

Depending on the location and circumstances, proposed work may include:

  • Tree removal and felling.

  • Crown reduction and pruning.

  • Significant alterations to the tree's structure.

  • Other work covered by conservation area controls.

​

The exact requirements can depend on the tree, the proposed work, and any applicable exemptions. We recommend confirming the requirements with the relevant planning authority before proceeding.

​

Do I Need Planning Permission to Remove a Tree?

​

Not every tree removal or pruning project requires a planning application. However, certain trees and locations are subject to specific legal protections and restrictions.

​

Before arranging tree work, it is worth checking:

1. Tree Preservation Orders

Find out whether the tree is individually protected or included within a protected group or woodland.

2. Conservation Areas

Check whether your property is located within a designated conservation area and whether advance notification is required.

3. Other Restrictions

Depending on the location, additional environmental, forestry, wildlife, or planning considerations may apply.

4. Forestry Felling Permissions

Larger-scale tree felling and woodland operations may require separate authorisation from Scottish Forestry, depending on the circumstances and applicable exemptions.

​

Checking these requirements before work begins can help avoid unnecessary delays and potential legal complications.

​

How West Highland Tree Services Can Help

Whether you are planning routine tree maintenance or considering the removal of a larger tree, we can discuss the proposed work and help you understand the practical considerations involved.

Professional Tree Removal Services Across the West Coast of Scotland

​

At West Highland Tree Services, we specialise in professional tree removal services throughout the West Coast of Scotland, covering both mainland and island communities. From small garden tree removals to the dismantling of large, hazardous, storm-damaged, or diseased trees, our experienced arborists have the expertise and specialist equipment to complete every job safely, efficiently, and to the highest professional standard.

Whether a tree is threatening property, has become unsafe, is affected by disease, or needs removing to make way for landscaping or development, we provide reliable tree removal solutions tailored to your needs.

​

We proudly serve customers across Isle of Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, Mallaig, Arisaig, Glenfinnan, Spean Bridge, Lochaber, Invergarry, Dornie, Plockton, Broadford, Portree, Carbost, Sconser, Uig, Applecross, Shieldaig, Gairloch, Lochcarron, Torridon, Kinlochewe, Acharacle, Strontian, Arisaig, Morar, Ardnamurchan, Glencoe, Ballachulish, Onich, Corpach, Kinlochleven, and throughout the Highlands and West Coast of Scotland.

​

Every tree removal project begins with a detailed site assessment and risk evaluation to determine the safest and most efficient method of work. Our highly trained team uses a wide range of specialist techniques, including sectional dismantling, advanced tree climbing, rope and rigging systems, controlled lowering, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), crane-assisted dismantling where required, straight felling in open areas, and specialist winching equipment for difficult access locations. These methods allow us to safely remove trees growing close to houses, holiday lodges, roads, power lines, gardens, walls, fences, and other structures while minimising disruption and protecting surrounding property.

​

All work is carried out by fully insured, NPTC-qualified arborists in accordance with BS3998 Tree Work Recommendations. We also offer complete site clearance, including the removal of all timber, branches and woodchip, with stump grinding services available to leave the area ready for replanting or landscaping. Whether you require the removal of a single tree or multiple trees on domestic, commercial or estate land, West Coast Tree Care provides a dependable, professional and competitively priced service across the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, Lochaber and the wider West Coast of Scotland.

tree surgeon fort william
bottom of page