Protected trees

There are two kinds of tree protection in Islington.

• Individual or groups of trees with a tree preservation order (TPO).
• Trees that are located in a conservation area.

If you want to report an issue with a tree or do any works to a tree the first thing to do is to find out if the tree is protected and what sort of protection it has

View protected trees

View the interactive map of the borough. Once on the map:

1. select 'Planning and environment' in the menu
2. zoom in to the area of map you'd like to see
3. choose 'trees' and tick the boxes to view all trees and trees with preservation orders (if you cannot tick the boxes, zoom in more). 

If a tree is not currently protected that you think should be, you can request that it is gets protection.

What to do if a protected tree is being cut or damaged

If you see a protected tree being cut without permission, to the best of your knowledge, or damaged in any way, call 020 7527 2000.

Work on a protected tree

If you want to prune or remove a protected tree you must apply to us. There is a different process depending on the type of protection the tree has.

Trees with a tree preservation order (TPO)

On the interactive map, view the TPO reference number for the tree and a copy of the documentation. Make sure you note the reference number.

You will then need to fill in an application form that can be found at the planning portal. There is also guidance on completing the form and what supporting evidence may be required. 

When completing the form you must provide:

• reasons for the works
• contact number for access. 

What happens next

We will:

• acknowledge your application within 14 days
• make an assessment
• get back to you within eight weeks.

You should wait to hear from us in that time. We will usually get back to you quicker.

A tree officer may carry out a site visit to help them assess the proposed works. They may discuss alternative works with you.

You must receive a council decision before you can start any pruning works. If you do not receive this within eight weeks, contact 020 7527 2000 to ask for an update, stating the application number from your acknowledgement letter.

You will have the right of appeal to the planning Inspectorate if a decision is not issued within eight weeks.

Trees in conservation areas

Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historical importance. You need to notify us of your intent to prune or remove the trees within a conservation area.

You must give us formal notification at least six weeks before you want to do the work. You give this notification on the planning portal. There is also guidance on completing the form and what supporting evidence may be required.

Information to complete on the planning portal application

• Address where the tree is located.
• Tree owner telephone number and email (where applicable).
• Details of the person who is applying (if different from the owner).
• Clear specification of works.
• Why the works are needed.
• Plan of the site showing the house and any notable feature to clearly identify the tree and photographs of the tree.
• Any supporting reports or information that will help us make our assessment.

What happens next

We have six weeks to object to your proposals. This gives us the opportunity to protect trees of amenity value, which may be harmed by the proposed works. A site visit may be required.

We can only object formally by making a TPO on the tree(s) concerned. In many cases, where we feel that the works are inappropriate, we may discuss alternative work with you.

If you do not receive a decision within six weeks of your notice, then you can carry out the works you gave notice for.

If a TPO is made you will not be able to do the work without making a TPO application for consent. You will have the right to object to the TPO and the council will provide details on how to do this.

If you are struggling to use the online application form, you can download and send the general application form for tree works (PDF) to planning@islington.gov.uk.