Tree Preservation Orders have been made by Hyndburn Borough Council since the early 1950's. They are intended to preserve and protect either individual trees , groups of trees or areas of woodland throughout the Borough. The Council can make a TPO to protect any tree, and this can be done at short notice. It is then an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy the tree without the prior consent of the Council. The council has legal powers to prosecute offenders who disregard a TPO, so people are advised to check with the Trees and Woodlands Officer via the planning@hyndburnbc.gov.uk email before carrying out work on trees. Trees in a Conservation Area, even if not subject to a TPO are also protected and application has to be made before carrying out work on them.
