Protecting trees

Tree Preservation Order

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is put in place to protect trees or woodlands. Trees protected by a TPO cannot be lopped, topped, or felled without permission.

The council has the power to take action to stop work being carried out without prior permission. You may be:

  • required to replace damaged trees
  • prosecuted by the Sheriff Court and fined up to £20,000

New TPOs

A new TPO is effective immediately and lasts for 6 months.

A notice and a copy of the order are made available to view on our Online Planning Information System until confirmed.

Notices advise of the following:

  • reasons for making the order
  • how representations can be made
  • the date by which representations must be made

Before the order expires, the Planning Committee must consider the order, and any representations made, to decide whether to confirm the order.

You will be notified if you are the owner of a property which is subject to the renewal of a TPO. This will also be advertised in local newspapers.

Protected trees in North Ayrshire

List of confirmed Tree Preservation Orders (PDF, 134kb) in North Ayrshire.
Or view them on our map.

Trees in conservation areas

It is an offence to carry out work on trees in conservation areas, whether protected by a TPO or not, unless consent is given by the council, or the council has been given 6 weeks notice.

Consent to carry out work in conservation area

Applications for obtaining consent and notifying works can be made in the following ways:

Apply for consent

or:

You do not need to apply for separate consent for tree works if you are applying for and are granted full planning permission.

More information can be found in Guidance notes for Tree Works form.

Ash dieback

Ash dieback is a disease caused by fungus. The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback and is usually fatal in younger trees. Ash dieback is present across Scotland. The council does not currently buy, or plant, ash trees.

When using our woodlands and paths, please take steps to prevent the spread of the disease by:

  • keeping to the core path network
  • becoming familiar with the signs of ash dieback
  • report potential cases to Tree Alert

Look for awareness signs posted in council owned woodlands, including Eglinton Park and Spiers School grounds.