Trees are a fantastic and much loved part of the natural world and we are lucky to have a huge variety of type and age across our ward of Histon, Impington and Orchard Park.

Often their value can go unnoticed and they can be at risk of being removed for the wrong reasons.

Recently a resident from Orchard Park has successfully started the process of protecting 5 trees on Chariot Way from being removed. The trees are managed by  the residential management company Encore Estates and were due to be felled because the roots are causing damage to the pavement and road by uplifting the paving bricks, causing a safety issue due to the resulting uneven surface.

Following the initial application a provisional Tree Protection Order (TPO) has been issued whilst South Cambs District Council officers investigate the application and determine as to whether the TPO can be made permanent.

A tree preservation order (TPO) legally protects individual trees, groups of trees, areas, or woodlands that are in danger. If there’s a TPO on a tree, you’ll to get permission from us before doing any work. This work includes cutting it down, cutting back its branches, digging near its roots.

You can use the online form in the link below to order protection for single trees, woodlands, and hedgerows. However, a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) cannot be applied to protect hedges, shrubs, or bushes, stop approved building work, or cover all trees in a neighbourhood.

When submitting a TPO request, you will need to include the tree’s location, the type of tree, the reason for protection, and photos showing the tree and why it is at risk.

https://www.scambs.gov.uk/climate-and-environment/trees-and-hedgerows/tree-preservation-orders