If you’ve got a tree in your garden in East Lothian and you’re thinking about removing it, you might be wondering—
Do I Need To Get Permission First?
The short answer: Maybe
Things First: Is Your Tree Protected?
There are two main things to check before doing anything:
1. Is the tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
2. Is it in a conservation area?
If the answer is yes to either, you’ll need to get in touch with East Lothian Council before doing any work.
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What’s a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?
A TPO is a legal protection put in place by the council to help preserve trees that add value to the local landscape or have historical or cultural importance. If your tree has a TPO, you must get written permission before you cut, trim, or remove it—no exceptions.
You can find out if your tree is protected by emailing the council’s landscape team at:
landscape@eastlothian.gov.uk
They can confirm whether there’s a TPO on your tree and guide you through the application process if needed. You can also take a look at their online list of protected trees here:
Protected Trees – East Lothian Council
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What About Conservation Areas?
East Lothian has 30 conservation areas—including historic spots like Harlawhill in Prestonpans. If your property falls within one of these areas, you need to give the council 6 weeks’ written notice before doing any tree work, even if the tree itself doesn’t have a TPO.
This gives the council time to decide if they want to place a TPO on the tree or ask for changes to your plans.
To check if you live in a conservation area, head over here:
Conservation Areas Map – East Lothian Council
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When You Don’t Need Permission
If your tree isn’t covered by a TPO and it’s not in a conservation area, you’re usually free to go ahead without official permission.
That said, there are still a couple of important things to keep in mind:
• Wildlife Laws: You can’t disturb nesting birds or protected species (like bats), even if your tree isn’t protected. Always check before starting work.
• Safety: Tree removal can be risky—especially for large or awkwardly placed trees. It’s highly recommended to hire a qualified tree surgeon.
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Step-by-Step: What to Do Before Removing a Tree
1. Check TPO status
Email: landscape@eastlothian.gov.uk
Or check the council’s protected trees page online.
2. Check if you’re in a conservation area
Use the map tool: Conservation Areas
If you are, send a 6-week written notice before doing anything.
3. No protection? You’re good to go—just be smart about it.
Still think about safety, the environment, and hiring a professional to handle the job properly.
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Need a Hand?
If all of this sounds like a bit of a faff—we get it. That’s where we come in.
We’re experienced tree surgeons based right here in East Lothian, offering safe, professional tree and stump grinding services. Whether your tree’s protected or not, we can help you figure out the rules, contact the council if needed, and carry out the work safely and legally.
We also work closely with a trusted local arboriculturist who can take care of the whole permission process for you. From surveying your tree to handling all the necessary council paperwork, they make sure everything is done by the book—so you don’t have to worry about a thing. If permission is needed, they’ll sort it. If not, they’ll confirm it. Either way, you’ll know where you stand.
So whether you just want a tree gone, or you’re unsure where to start, drop us a message. We’ll either take care of it ourselves or connect you with our specialist partner who does all the tricky bits.
