Advice
Tree Preservation Orders in Fife, Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross
How to check whether a tree is protected in Fife, Dundee, Angus or Perth & Kinross, and what to do before pruning or removing it.
In Scotland, each local council manages its own Tree Preservation Orders and conservation areas. The rules are the same everywhere, but where you check depends on which council covers your home.
Fife Council
Covers St Andrews, Cupar, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Dunfermline, Leven, Anstruther and all of Fife. Conservation areas include much of central St Andrews, Falkland, Culross and many East Neuk villages.
Dundee City Council
Covers Dundee, including Broughty Ferry and West Ferry, where parts of the older residential streets are conservation areas.
Angus Council
Covers Arbroath, Carnoustie, Forfar, Brechin, Kirriemuir and Montrose, several of which have historic town-centre conservation areas.
Perth & Kinross Council
Covers Perth, Scone, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Auchterarder and Dunkeld. Dunkeld and parts of Perth are notable conservation areas.
What to do before work
Check the council's planning pages or contact its planning department. Protected trees need consent (TPO) or six weeks' notice (conservation area). Dead or dangerous trees have exceptions, but it is sensible to get advice first. We check this as part of every quote.
Need this doing?
We carry out tree surgery across Fife, Dundee, Angus and Perthshire. See our tree surgeon page or call for a free, no-obligation quote.
Common questions
- How do I find out if my tree has a TPO?
- Contact your council's planning department or check its online planning map. We can check for you when quoting.
- What happens if I cut a protected tree without consent?
- It is a criminal offence and can lead to significant fines and a requirement to replant.
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