Trees
Sheffield's trees and woodlands are a cherished feature of our landscape, making our city one of the greenest in Europe.
So that we can help to ensure that our trees remain for all to enjoy, the Council has statutory powers to protect trees which are of high amenity value. We do this in three ways:
1. Tree Preservation Orders.
These are orders which can be placed on single trees, groups of trees and even whole woodlands. If a tree preservation order is in force, it is necessary to obtain consent from the Council before carrying out any work to the trees covered. Generally we issue tree preservation orders where there is some evidence that trees may be under threat of damage or removal and where they are important features, visible to the public.
2. Conservation Areas.
In conservation areas, it is necessary to inform the Council six weeks before carrying out work to any tree which has a stem with a diameter thicker than 7.5 centimetres. If there is no objection to the work being carried out, then we will let you know but if we have concerns that the work may be damaging or that the tree should be retained, we will consider giving the tree full protection by issuing a tree preservation order.
3. Planning Conditions.
When planning permission is granted for a new development, we may attach a condition to the permission, requiring the applicant or future owners of the land to obtain the consent of the council if any work to trees is proposed.
You can find further information on protected trees in the guide "Tree Preservation Orders A Guide to the Law and Good Practice" issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
If you want to carry out work to a tree, then it is a good idea to contact us first to check whether the tree is protected.
You can apply to carry out work on a protected tree by filling out the application form on the planning applications form page.
Please ring the Environmental Planning team on 0114 2734198 (South and East) or 0114 2734224 (North and West).
You can also write to us at: Environmental Planning Team, Development Services, 1 Union Street, Howden House, Sheffield, S1 2SH, or you can email us on planningudep@sheffield.gov.uk
If you write or email, it would be helpful if you would include a daytime telephone number.
Other Tree Issues.
The Environmental Planning Team only deals with protected trees.
For questions relating to trees:
- On the roadside contact Street Force on 0114 273 4567
- In parks, recreation grounds, playing fields, playgrounds and woodlands, please contact Parks, Woodlands and Countryside on 0114 2500500
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