What Makes a Tree Protected and How Do I Find Out

Name: Tree Services Sydney NSW
Brand: Sydney Wide Tree Services
Rating: 4.9 (38 reviews)

Posted by Sydney Wide Tree Services on 13 Aug 2026

Trees play a crucial part in the environment by providing shade, fresh air, and aesthetic value to our surroundings. However there are a few trees that aren’t equal and some carry extra protection status, which makes it illegal to do any activity without authorization. If you are considering having a tree removed it is essential to know the status of protection for the tree in question, and what steps you’ll need to follow to be in compliance with the laws. This article we will guide you through the process of discovering whether the tree is protected and what you will need to do to ensure that you are acting within the law.

What exactly is a tree that is protected?

A protected tree is one that can be subject to specific legal controls It is illegal to do works on a tree without having the appropriate permissions. There are two types of protection that trees may have - preservation and protection orders that are statutory.

Legal protection

As a matter of legal protection, trees are protected by laws and in the hands of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). TPOs are enacted by local authorities in order to protect trees of significant value to the public and to ensure that they do not get destroyed or damaged.

Preservation orders

Preservation orders are like TPOs in that they are put in place by the Secretary of State for the Environment. Trees with preservation orders are considered to have exceptional value and are shielded from all work, which includes the felling.

How do I know if a tree is protected?

To determine whether a tree is protected, you need to verify if it’s in the process of being subject to an TPO or preservation orders. It is done by contacting the local authority and asking them to check their archives.

TPO search

To search for the TPO, you can contact the Tree or Woodland Official from your local authority. They will be able to tell you whether the tree is in the protection. They will also be able to guide you on the next steps you should do if your tree is protected.

Preservation order search

To search for a preservation permit, you’ll need to call Secretary of State, Department of the Environment. They can determine whether the tree is protected and provide you with the necessary information and guidance.

FAQs:

What is the consequence if I do work on a protected tree without permission?

If you do work on a tree that is protected without obtaining the necessary permits, you could be facing substantial fines and even imprisonment.

Can I contest an TPO or preservation order?

Yes, you can appeal a TPO or preservation decision if that it is not justified. You will have to provide evidence to support your claim and explain that the TPO or preservation order isn’t necessary.

Can I take down a protected tree?

It is unlawful to take down a protected tree without obtaining permission from the appropriate authorities. If you want removal of the tree it is necessary to request permission and submit the evidence needed to prove your case.

Conclusion

To conclude, knowing if trees are protected is a crucial aspect in ensuring that tree work is legally completed. Understanding the different kinds of protection and the best way to check for them it is possible to be sure that you’re following the law and safeguarding the trees that you are responsible for. If you’re not sure about the nature of the protection of a tree, we recommend consulting an experienced tree expert like Sydney Wide Tree Services. Our team of experienced arborists will be able to inform you regarding the status of protection of your trees and walk you through the necessary steps to ensure you are complying with the law. With our experience and dedication to providing high-quality tree services, we can help you preserve the beauty and value of your trees. Contact us today by calling 1300 926 820 to schedule a appointment, and let us assist you to keep your trees safe and healthy.

Tags: Compliance, Protected Trees, Tree Health Categories: Arborist, Environment, Tree Care, Tree Removal

25 Popular Trees for Gardens

The Ultimate Guide to Tree Lopping: What You Need to Know

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed In All Tree Services Work

Our expert tree services in Sydney assure the standard of our work. From small trees to large trees, significant trees, all tree species. Additionally we can provide stump grinding and land clearance. This allows us to offer 100% customer satisfaction and a great experience. It is all you need to call us to discuss your requirements, and our team takes charge of everything else. The quality, efficiency of the job, and the correct preparation.

Our Company Focuses On Safety First

Tree Services can be a highly technical job that really needs more power than skill. Where safety factors are concerned, you need to approach this sort of job with great care. Our business employs fully qualified and experienced technicians who are capable of performing any sort of tree removal project in Sydney efficiently and safely.

We address each and every issue with unequaled care. We carefully train our tree surgeons to implement proper precautions when performing their job, to ensure that they can tackle all tasks with strong confidence with their ability to keep everyone and everything as safe as can be, time and time again.

The tree services industry is notorious for accidents such as impact accidents, falls, electrocution, cuts, scrapes, and many more. Nevertheless, together with Sydney Wide Tree Services, we guarantee security for you, your family, pets, and house.

Our expert team of tree surgeons will set the mind at ease and talk you through any safety problems you may well be having. We shall contact you about how we intend handling your tree services Sydney task. You will end up 100% content with our process once we finish explaining our process. We will be clean, swift, courteous, and thorough.

Request a Quote

Why Hire Us

At Sydney Wide Tree Services Sydney, our tree removals are done safely and effectively. Our comprehensive expertise, high security standards, and proper equipment and machines use enable us to quickly complete the entire procedure.

We’ve got a huge variety of technical resources and equipment that enable us to carry on the most difficult kinds of tree services Sydney. We can conveniently and easily remove trees which block access to specific places, regardless of their size. We put great consideration to the immediate surroundings, the sort of tree being eliminated, size and many other facets.

Sydney Wide Tree Services is your favorite choice for expert tree services in Sydney. Our staff is highly trained in the industry and provides 100% client satisfaction. Our support is popular all over the Sydney and surrounding regions.

Request a Quote

About Us &

What We Do

Tree maintenance involves many activities such as pruning, replanting, topping, trimming, cutting and general upkeep. This will keep your trees looking their best, and healthy during the year. Nevertheless, when searching for tree maintenance for your house or commercial premises in Sydney, Sydney Wide Tree Services is the epitome of empowerment. We’re honest, reliable, and highly skilled professionals, making us the best tree service company in Sydney.

At Sydney Wide Tree Services, we can help eliminate the whole tree or only the stump due to our years of knowledge and access to state-of-the-art tools.

By choosing us, customers get access to top-tier tree solutions at Sydney while also saving on the cost and enjoying the advantages of quality servicing. We make certain that the process is as simple as possible without taking shortcuts and remaining eco-friendly at precisely the identical time.

As a result of our experienced staff and how well-equipped we are, we can finish the task with minimal obstacles. Because of this, our tree solutions Sydney prices may be lower than you would presume.

Should you require the effective tree removal services Sydney telephone us today on 1300 926 820 or see our website to find out more about our solutions.