Protected trees and hedges
Tree preservation orders
Tree preservation orders protect trees and woodlands. It is an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy the tree(s) covered by a tree preservation order. The local authority has legal powers, which it may use to prosecute offenders.
The local authority has powers to make a tree preservation order where trees are believed to be at risk.
Hedges (hedgerows)
The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 are designed to give protection to important hedgerows in England and Wales. It is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without permission from the local planning authority.
Conservation areas
Trees and hedges are also protected if they are located within a conservation area.
More information about protected trees is available on the Gov.UK web site.