Tree Preservation Orders

A Tree Preservation Order is a written order made by a local planning authority (e.g. a borough, district or unitary council or a national park authority) which, in general, makes it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree protected by that order without the authority’s permission. It is intended to protect trees which bring significant amenity benefit to the local area. This protection is particularly important where trees are under threat.

树木保护令，系由地方规划当局（例如区议会、市议会、单一法人市议会或国家公园当局）所颁布之书面命令。通常而言，未经当局许可擅自砍伐、修剪、砍伐树枝、连根拔起、故意损害或故意破坏受该命令保护的树木，均构成违法行为。其旨在保护为当地社区带来显著便利效益的树木。在此类树木面临威胁的情况下，此类保护尤为重要。