Does anyone know if there is an online site where you can check which trees have preservation orders on without actually asking the local council?

Try here :)

Everything you need to know about Tree Preservation Orders !

Lucy
xx

Thanks Lucy but I was hoping there might be a location list of protected trees on a local basis.  Basically a friend has recently moved into a house with a very large oak tree in the garden.  She certainly wants to reduce the height and might even consider removing it (not something she would do lightly).  The problem is that if she asks the local council if there is a preservation order on it, the chances are even if one doesn't currently exist, they will put one on and that would restrict her even pruning it.  On her behalf, therefore, I was trying to find an alternative way of identifying whether this tree currently has a protection order on it.

Dont worry Annie, They wont put one on withoput good cause. And to be honest, if she just rings up they wont automatically go out and look. They are far to busy!!!
Also if it has, then she just needs to get some proffessional tree surgeons and they will be able to advise her and put a application into the council.
(Talking of which I have one sitting here to fill in that I keep forgetting about ;) Muist do that when I get back from atheletics)
Lea :)

I did know someone else Lea in the same area who moved into a house and wanted to remove a tree (nothing significant or rare) in his garden.  The neighbours (who didn't like him) overheard him discussing this with someone and phoned the council, who then put a preservation order on it.  He was very annoyed.

It is actually very easy to find out if they have a TPO by ringing up the council.
You ring up and ask them. You dont have to give your name or anything,
I do it very regluarily with my job!!!! They are very helpful. And you dont have to tell them what you want to do with it. Just ask if it has a TPO on it,
If you are in a conservation order it will have one on it!!!!
Better to find out from the council direct so you dont get into Major trouble!!!! LOL
What do you want to do with it???
You are able to prune dead diseased or dying branches off and lift the canopy around paths.
Lea :)

Hi Lea, it isn't my tree - see explanation to Lucy above. :)  Thing is though, if my friend phones the council and asks about a tree in her own garden, that is a bit of a giveaway even if she doesn't give her address! :D  It also tells the council there is an oak tree in the garden where previously they might not have been aware of it.  Tricky isn't it?

A few years ago in my previous house I was in exactly the same situation - a huge badly kept oak tree although at the bottom of the garden.  I wanted to get it pruned right back or cut down as I was worried about safety.  Lo and behold one call to the council and there was a tree preservation order on it!  They did cut it right back for us.

They did cut it right back for us.
Really, the council did that?  Did it represent a danger to the general public then?

Everytime I have rang up, I just say could you tell me if there is a TPO on any trees at so and so address.
99% of the time there isnt, and I am yet to have one slapped on !!!!
She can say she is just a neighbour or a gardener ;)
I know the previous TPO officer around here would slap TPO's on anything, a real tree hugging guy, but again, I have not heard of even him slapping one on just because of an enquiry.
And If it has got a TPO on it and is causing detremental effect to light or access etc, then they just need to put an application in to have it pruned by a proffesional and they will look at it.
HTH
Lea :)

Thanks Lea, I will pass the info on.