LANDOWNERS are being warned to check for tree preservation orders (TPOs) before doing landscaping work, or face large fines.

Terry Griffin, a partner at regional law firm Napthens - which has offices in Kendal and Penrith - says it is up to landowners to comply with TPOs which may affect their property.

He highlighted one recent case in the Lake District which saw a homeowner fined £15,000 for breaching an order after cutting down a number of trees on her property to help improve a view and make the property more attractive to buyers. A local farmer who helped cut down the trees was also fined £3,000.

TPOs are made by local planning authorities to protect individual trees and woodland, and to prevent activities such as cutting down, lopping and "wilful destruction", without written consent from the authority.

Anyone found guilty of breaking a TPO may be taken to court and face a fine of up to £20,000 per tree, said Mr Griffin, who is a partner in Napthens' litigation and dispute resolution team.

Landowners may also be required to replace a tree which has been removed, uprooted or destroyed.

"There can be serious repercussions for landowners if they damage or remove a tree or woodland area subject to a TPO, but we do see this happen from time to time," said Mr Griffin.

"Land earmarked for development, or the expansion of a property, farm or business, could all face this issue, so landowners must take care to check whether their property is affected by a TPO and take steps to comply with the necessary rules.

"This can be done by checking property deeds and making checks with the local authority, which keeps records of such orders.

"Some TPOs date back more than 50 years so it is entirely possible a landowner is unaware there is one in place.

Mr Griffin added: "Any checks should be done before any work is carried out, and if there are any doubts an appropriate expert should be consulted."