Avoiding the Tree Removal Mistakes that can be made: How to Know if a Tree is Protected

Posted by Wollongong Tree Removal on 16 Jun 2025

Trees play a crucial part in the environment, providing shade, clean air and aesthetic value our surroundings. However they are not all identical and some are granted additional protection status, making it illegal to perform any work without obtaining permission. If you are considering having a tree removed it is crucial to be aware of the protection status of the tree in question, and the steps you have to take to ensure compliance with the laws. This article we will walk you through the steps to determine if trees are safe and exactly what steps you have to do to ensure you are acting within the law.

What is a protected tree?

A protected tree is subject to specific laws and regulations, and it’s illegal to do work on such a tree without having the appropriate permissions. There are two kinds of protection that a tree could be protected by - statutory protection and preservation orders.

Protection under the law

Under statutory protection trees are protected by the law, and they are under the control of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). TPOs are issued by local authorities in order to protect trees with a significant public value and ensure they are not destroyed or damaged.

Preservation orders

Preservation orders are similar to TPOs , but are put in place from the Secretary of State responsible for Environment. The trees that are protected by preservation orders are considered to be of exceptional value and are protected from any kind of work, including felling.

How do I know when a tree is in danger?

To determine whether the tree is protected, you need to determine if the tree is in the process of being subject to the protection of a TPO or preservation order. It is done by contacting the local authority and asking them to look up their archives.

To find the TPO, you can contact the Tree and Woodland officer from your local authority, who can inform you whether the tree is protected. They’ll also be able to guide you on the next steps to take if the tree is protected.

To search for a preservation order you must contact Secretary of State, Department of the Environment. They will determine whether the tree is protected and give you the necessary information and guidance.

FAQs:

What happens if I carry out work on a tree that is protected without permission?

If you do work on a tree that is protected without the appropriate permissions, you could face massive fines or even prison.

Can I contest a TPO and/or preservation order?

Yes, you are able to appeal to a TPO or preservation or TPO if it’s not justifiable. But, you’ll need be able to present evidence to back your case and show why it is not necessary to appeal the TPO or order to preserve isn’t necessary.

Can I take down a protected tree?

It is against the law to remove protected trees without the required permissions. If you need removal of the tree it is necessary to apply for permission and provide proof to back your claim.

Conclusion

In the end, determining if trees are protected is a vital step to ensure that tree work is legally completed. If you know the various types of protection, and knowing how to check for them, you can ensure that you’re following the law and protecting the trees in your care. If you’re not sure about the nature of the protection of a tree, we recommend consulting a reputable tree specialist, such as Wollongong Tree Removal. Our arborists are experienced and can advise you about the protection status of your trees, and will guide you through the required steps to ensure that you are following the legal guidelines. With our experience and dedication to providing top-quality tree care We can assist you to keep the beauty and worth of your trees. Call us now at 02 4203 3595 to schedule a consultation, and let us help you keep your trees protected and healthy.

With the proper tools and qualified professionals you can feel secure knowing your property will be left undamaged and tidy after the project is completed.
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Our professional tree removal in Wollongong 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 enables us to offer the greatest level of customer satisfaction and an enjoyable experience. It is all you need to contact us with your requirements and our staff will take all the work. The quality, the efficiency of the project, and the proper preparation.

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Although it may seem to be a job that requires more power than skill, tree removal is a very specialized process that has to be approached with utmost caution if it is to end safely. Our team of specialists are highly experienced and fully capable, so that you may be assured they are proficient at dealing with almost any tree removal task in Wollongong economically and safely.

We deal with each situation with great attention. Our professionals have undergone a lot of training and have all been exposed to meticulous security and health exercises. So if we send them in the area, we are more than confident they will take necessary precaution measures.

tree removal is a well known source of injury, and in extreme circumstances, fatal mishaps. This is why Wollongong Tree Removal prioritizes security above everything else, to keep you, your loved ones, pets, and property protected.

Our expert team of tree surgeons will put the mind at ease and talk you through any safety problems you may well be having. We are going to get in touch with you about how exactly we intend handling your tree removal Wollongong task. You will end up 100% pleased with our process when we finish explaining our process. We will be clean, swift, courteous, and thorough.

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At Wollongong Tree Removal Wollongong we get rid of trees in a simple and expert manner. Our in-depth experience, unrivalled customer satisfaction, and utilization of state of the art tools and equipment allow us to perform the job perfectly and within strict timeframes.

Before delving into tree removal Wollongong, we examine the tree’s condition, size, type, and also the surrounding atmosphere. Following this, we proceed with our large variety of specialist equipment to eliminate the tree. Whatever size, large or small, and many different aspects that can make a tree hard to eliminate such as irregular shape, dangerous species, difficulty in accessing, and so forth, we’ve got what it takes.

If you are searching for professional tree removal Wollongong, Wollongong Tree Removal is your go-to source. Our team is highly trained in the area and take great pride when it comes to customer satisfaction. We supply our tree removal services round Wollongong and its surround suburbs.

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Tree care involves multiple activities such as pruning, replanting, topping, trimming, cutting and general maintenance. This will keep your trees looking their best, and healthy all year. That said, when searching for tree care for your home or industrial premises in Wollongong, Wollongong Tree Removal is the epitome of empowerment. We are honest, reliable, and highly skilled specialists, making us the best tree service company in Wollongong.

At Wollongong Tree Removal, we can help eliminate the whole tree or only the stump due to our years of experience and access to state-of-the-art tools.

We provide the best tree solutions in Wollongong and also the neighboring areas with 100% customer satisfaction. Affordable tree services aren’t necessarily affordable. Instead, our support ensures reassurance, ethical and hassle-free procedure with ecological conscience in mind.

We always make sure to do the job properly and continue to offer top of the line tree solutions in Wollongong.

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