Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are one of the most misunderstood parts of tree work in Manchester. Many homeowners and property managers only hear the term when they’re already dealing with a problem — a failing limb, a tree growing too close to a building, or a neighbour dispute — and suddenly discovering that the tree is legally protected.
At Woodfelder Tree Care, we work with TPO trees across Manchester and Stockport every single week. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the very confusing — and we know how to navigate the system properly.
If you’re responsible for a tree with a TPO, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Do Trees Get TPOs in Manchester?
Contrary to the rumours, councils don’t hand out TPOs just to be difficult. A tree usually receives protection because it has:
Strong amenity value
A significant presence in the local landscape
Ecological importance
Historical or cultural interest
A positive impact on the character of an area
Manchester has thousands of TPO trees, especially in areas like Didsbury, Chorlton, Sale, and Stockport’s conservation-heavy districts.
TPOs simply ensure that trees that matter to the wider community are cared for properly, not removed or damaged without cause.
Common Misconceptions About TPO Trees
We hear these all the time — and they’re rarely true:
❌ “You can’t touch a TPO tree at all.”
✔️ Reality: You can prune or even remove TPO trees — you just need permission.
❌ “The council always refuses applications.”
✔️ Reality: Most well-written, justified applications are approved.
❌ “It takes months and months to get an answer.”
✔️ Reality: Manchester City Council typically works to an 8-week deadline.
❌ “It’s my tree so I’ll do what I want.”
✔️ Reality: Fines of up to £20,000 per offence (and unlimited in Crown Court) say otherwise.
Understanding these misconceptions makes the whole process far less daunting.
What You Can Do With a TPO Tree
Permission is required, but plenty of work is routinely approved, including:
Crown reductions (when proportionate)
Crown thinning and lifting
Clearance from buildings, roofs, roads and footpaths
Deadwood removal
Works to manage storm damage
Removal of dangerous or diseased trees
The key is justification — the council wants good reasons, not cosmetic pruning.
What You Can’t Do
Anything that risks harming the tree without written consent, including:
Heavy, unnecessary pruning
Topping or over-reducing
Removing roots
Felling healthy trees with no justification
Starting work before permission is granted
The council can and does prosecute both the contractor and the tree owner.
(We’ve seen it happen — it’s not worth the gamble.)
How a Manchester TPO Application Works (Step-by-Step)
This is where most DIY applications fall apart. Here’s how we do it properly:
1. A full on-site assessment
We check the tree’s condition, structural issues, species, size, and proximity to buildings and roads.
2. Photographs and measurements
Clear visuals make a world of difference to the case officer.
3. A map marked with the location of the tree
This ensures there’s no confusion between multiple trees on site.
4. A professionally worded justification
This is the part that councils care most about.
We explain the why — safety, structural defects, disease progression, building clearance, highway obstruction, etc.
5. A detailed description of proposed work
Precise pruning specifications that align with BS3998 standards.
Because we handle so many TPO applications across Manchester and Stockport, we know exactly what each council expects — and how to avoid rejections or delays.
5-Day Notices: When a TPO Tree Is Dangerous
For urgent safety issues, the law allows for a 5-day notice instead of the usual 8-week application.
Examples include:
Storm-damaged limbs
Sudden structural cracks
Diseased trees at risk of collapse
Dead trees in high-traffic areas
We provide the evidence, photographs and reporting required to ensure the council accepts the emergency works.
Why Choose Woodfelder for TPO Trees in Manchester?
Managing protected trees is not like general pruning. It requires:
A deep understanding of legislation
Experience writing strong applications
Good working relationships with tree officers
The ability to justify work with real arboricultural knowledge
We bring all of that — and more.
We’ve lodged hundreds of successful TPO and conservation-area applications across Greater Manchester, from private gardens to schools, churches, and commercial developments.
Clients choose us because we:
Give honest, expert advice
Don’t over-specify work
Don’t cut corners
Stay in touch with the council throughout the process
Carry out the work safely, legally, and to a high standard
That’s why we’re trusted by homeowners, housing associations, schools, and property managers right across the city.
Need Help With a TPO Tree in Manchester?
If you have a protected tree and aren’t sure what you’re allowed to do, we’re here to help.
📞 Call Woodfelder Tree Care — Manchester’s most reliable tree surgeons.
We’ll check the TPO status, write the application, speak to the council on your behalf, and carry out the work safely and professionally.