Tree protection
There are three layers of tree protection:
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)
- Conservation Areas
- Planning Conditions
If you intend to carry out any felling or surgery works on a protected tree, you must obtain written permission from us. This is done by completing a tree work application form and submitting it to the Infrastructure, Environment and Economy Service for review.
Tree Preservation Orders
A Tree Preservation Order safeguards individual trees and woodlands that significantly enhance the area's appearance, natural beauty, or hold cultural or historic value.
Full screen map of preservation orders
For search enquiries, email:
- nick.richards@highland.gov.uk for the North Highland area (Caithness, Sutherland, Ross, Skye, and Lochalsh)
- grant.stuart@highland.gov.uk for the South Highland area (Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch, and Lochaber)
Copies of Tree Preservation Orders are available on request.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas protect trees and woodlands as key landscape features that often contribute to the area's distinctive character.
To confirm whether a tree or woodland lies within a Conservation Area, refer to the Highland Conservation Areas maps.
Planning conditions
Read information on planning conditions
Replacing protected trees
If we allow the removal of a protected tree, suitable replacement planting is expected. Any development plans proposing tree removal should include appropriate replacement within a landscape scheme.