Trees in Conservation Areas

If a tree in a conservation area is protected by a tree preservation order then the usual protection applies. Go to the Tree Preservation Orders page for further advice. In Welwyn Garden City, even if you live outside a conservation area you may still require consent to do works to your trees or hedges under the Estate Management Scheme. 

If a tree is not protected by a tree preservation order but is in a conservation area, you must give six weeks notice in writing to the Planning Department if you want to carry out works. However, you only need to write to the Planning Department if the tree is more that 7.5cm in diameter when measured 1.5 metres above ground (or 10cm above the ground if the work is to help the growth of other trees).

It is an offence to do work to a tree in a conservation area without consent. If we have any objections to your proposed works we will notify you by letter that we intend to serve a tree preservation order. You will also be notified if we have no objections. If we have not responded within six weeks of your letter, you can carry out the works without further notice.

To find out whether your property is in a conservation area, search either the:

• Database of addresses of properties in the Conservation Areas, or
• View the interactive District Plan map.