AI by NicheJob 4 of 16ChatGPTGemini
Assemble a tree works application pack for the council
A TPO application is invalid if it is missing the form, a clear plan, a clear description of the work or the reasons, and then everything stalls. A tidy pack, with each tree numbered the same way in the form, the plan and the description, helps it be validated first time.
Time: About 40 minutes per applicationTool cost: you can start with a free AI tool
Steps
- Find out from the council whether the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area. Check the council's register or ask its tree officer. Don't assume, and don't ask the AI.
- Complete the council's or Planning Portal's standard form yourself, with the tree numbers that match the Order's schedule where it has one.
- Write your own notes for each tree: species, what work, and your honest reasons (for example condition, light, damage). The reasons and the specification are yours as the arborist.
- Paste your notes into the prompt below to get a clear specification for each tree, a short statement of reasons, a photo list and a checklist of what the council needs for validity.
- Compare everything against the form. Add a sketch plan that clearly shows each numbered tree, and any evidence you're relying on (for example an engineer's report for damage claims).
- Submit it yourself, or let the customer submit it, and diarise the date. Check with the council how long it takes.
The exact prompt
I'm a tree surgeon in England preparing a tree works application for a tree protected by a TPO. The council confirmed the tree is protected on [date]. My notes for each tree, using the numbers on the plan: [species, T-number, work proposed, my reasons]. Write: 1) a clear specification of the work for each tree in plain, precise language, using only what I've given; 2) a short statement of reasons for each tree, using only the reasons in my notes; 3) a list of the photos and evidence I'll attach; 4) a checklist of what a valid application needs: the completed council or Planning Portal form, a plan identifying each tree, a clear description of the work, the reasons, and any supporting evidence. Don't judge whether the work is justified, don't say whether any exemption applies, don't suggest different work and don't predict the council's decision.
✓ Check before you send
- The tree numbers match across the form, the plan and the specification.
- The specification says exactly what you intend to do and nothing more, because consent is limited to what's applied for.
- The council has confirmed protection and the right form and process, and any evidence (for example for damage to property) is attached.
- You have checked for nesting birds before any cutting starts (GOV.UK: wild birds, England).
UK notes extra
- What a valid application needs, in the official guidance: GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas (England).
- Where to apply: Planning Portal: works to trees.
- This describes England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own tree protection rules, forms and notice periods: check with the local council.
Last reviewed Oct 2026. Free tools change. If a screen looks different, the steps still apply.Back to top ↑