The Repercussions of removing a Protected Tree and How to Avoid them

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

Posted by Sydney Wide Tree Services on 16 Mar 2026

Trees play an important part in the environment as they provide shade, clean air, and aesthetic value to our surroundings. However, not all trees are identical and some are granted extra protection status, which makes it illegal to perform any work without obtaining permission. If you’re thinking of having a tree removed it is essential to know the status of protection for the tree you’re considering, and the steps you need to follow to be in compliance with the law. This article we’ll walk you through the steps to determine if a tree is secured and the steps you need be doing to make sure that you are acting within the law.

What exactly is a tree that is protected?

A protected tree has been subjected to certain legal controls and it is unlawful to work on such a tree without having the appropriate permissions. There are two types of protection a tree could be protected by - statutory protection and preservation orders.

Statutory protection

In the context of statutory protection, trees are protected by law and are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). TPOs are put in place by local authorities to safeguard trees with a significant public value and to ensure that they do not get destroyed or damaged.

Preservation orders

Preservation orders are similar to TPOs , but are issued from the Secretary of State responsible for Environment. Preservation orders for trees are considered to have an exceptional worth and are therefore protected from any work, including cutting down.

How do I know when a tree is in danger?

To determine if trees are protected, you will need to check if it is in the process of being subject to the protection of a TPO or preservation orders. This can be done by contacting the local authority and asking them to check for records.

TPO search

If you want to find a TPO, you can contact the Tree or Woodland Official from your local authority. They will inform you if the tree is protected. They’ll also be able advise you on the next steps to take if the tree is in a protected area.

Preservation order search

To search for a preservation order you will need to contact Secretary of State, Department of the Environment. They will be able to inform you whether the tree is protected and give you the necessary information and guidance.

FAQs:

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

If you carry out work on a tree that is protected without the appropriate authorizations, you could be subject to massive fines or even prison.

Can I contest a TPO and/or preservation order?

You can appeal to a TPO or preservation or TPO if you feel it is unjustified. However, you will need to provide evidence to support your claim and explain that you believe that the TPO or preservation order isn’t needed.

Can I take down a protected tree?

It is unlawful to take down trees that are protected without permission from the appropriate authorities. If you need removal of the tree, you will need to seek permission from the council and provide proof to back your claim.

Conclusion

To conclude, knowing if trees are protected is a crucial step to ensure that any tree work is carried out legally. By understanding the different types of protection, and knowing how to determine if they are protected it is possible to be sure that you’re in compliance with the law and protecting the trees in your care. If you are unsure about the nature of the protection of trees, we suggest seeking professional advice from an expert in tree care like Sydney Wide Tree Services. Our arborists are experienced and can advise you on the protection status of your trees and walk you through the necessary steps to ensure you are acting within the law. With our experience and dedication to provide high-quality tree services we will help you preserve the beauty and value of your trees. Contact us today by phone at 1300 926 820 to schedule a consultation and let us guide you on how 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 specialist tree services in Sydney assure the quality of our work. From small trees to large trees, significant trees, all tree species. Additionally we can provide stump grinding and land clearance. This lets us offer 100% satisfaction to our customers and an enjoyable experience. You just require to call us and tell us what you need and our team will take charge of everything else. The efficiency, the quality in completing the task and correct preparation.

Safety is Our Number One Focus

When most people think of tree removal, they think that anybody can tackle the task, as long as enough power is available. The fact of the matter, nevertheless, is that tree removal is work that requires more skill than raw power. It’s a highly specialized procedure, particularly due to the security component involved. The fantastic thing is that using a team like ours, security is ensured.

All our workers are experienced, trained, and armed with all the skills needed to safely and efficiently eliminate trees. Not only do we provide our full focus while performing a tree removal, but utmost care can be taken, due to our meticulous wellness and security training exercises. Rest easy with confidence in tree surgeons that take all the essential security precautions required.

The tree services area is quite risky. However, with Sydney Wide Tree Services, you can rest assured that your property and family’s security are at the top of the priority list.

Briefly, when you concern yourself with safety, our experienced technicians will gladly discuss in more detail about how they want to tackle your tree services Sydney job. You can rest assured that you’ll be happy for picking us. We be proud of being exhaustive, professional, polite and incredibly well-organized in everything we do.

Request a Quote

Why You Ought To Choose Us?

At Sydney Wide Tree Services Sydney, all our tree removals are done efficiently and safely. Our thorough experience, high security standards, and proper equipment and machinery use enable us to immediately complete the entire procedure.

We have a vast selection of specialist equipment so that we can assist you with the hardest types of tree services Sydney. We can effectively and safely eliminate trees that are not simple to access, small or massive trees, and dangerous trees. We study the kind and state of the tree, the size, and its environment very carefully.

Sydney Wide Tree Services is the preferred choice for expert tree services in Sydney. Our team is highly trained in the market and provides 100% customer satisfaction. Our support is popular all over the Sydney and surrounding regions.

Request a Quote

About Us &

What We Do

Are you trying to find the very best tree maintenance for your business or home? Well, Sydney Wide Tree Services is known for their stellar reputation in Sydney. We provide honest and outstanding services at the most affordable cost. We are proud to be the best tree service business in the niche. We are here to deal with all of your arboreal problems like tree trimming, cutting, pruning, topping, maintenance and replanting.

Would you need tree stump removal or complete removal of the trees in your residence or business? Well, Sydney Wide Tree Services comes with the best equipment and tangible experience to ensure high quality and professional services.

We offer professional tree maintenance support in Sydney and surrounding regions at very affordable prices. Our prices may not be the lowest but we always aim to keep our customers’ wallets in mind. This usually means you could anticipate a high quality service, affordable prices, ethical business practices, eco friendly work all rolled into one.

We will make sure to do the work correctly and continue to offer top of the line tree solutions in Sydney.