Tree management

Council-owned trees

Trees are regularly monitored and any work is added to a programme of work, which is planned over several years depending on priority. Tree pruning is restricted by nesting birds and we only cut them back after the birds have finished breeding. If a tree has fallen and is blocking a road, verge or pavement and you think it's dangerous, call the police on 101 or 999. Otherwise report it to us.

• report trees and hedges overhanging a road or pavement
• report a tree overhanging a street light 

Protected trees

Some trees are protected by law, including those covered by Tree Preservation Orders and those lying within conservation areas. We are primarily responsible for evaluating the impact of proposed tree works on the character of conservation areas and managing over 700 Tree Preservation Orders. More information can be found on the protected trees page.

Privately owned trees

Trees on private land are not our responsibility. If you need advice about a tree on your own land you should consult a qualified Arboriculturalist. If you have concerns over a tree on privately owned land other than your own, you will need to speak to the landowner. The Department for Communities and Local Government website contains some useful guidance on trees and high hedges.

Advice for private landowners

The law protects trees and woodland under a range of legislation that makes it an offence to fell or prune trees without permission.

• Always contact us to ensure that the trees are not covered by a Tree Preservation Order, planning constraints or are within a conservation area. See our protected trees information for further advice.
• Employ a suitably trained professional tree surgeon who is covered by Public Liability Insurance. Always ask for proof.
• Be very cautious before you employ unsolicited house callers or leaflet droppers claiming to be professional tree surgeons.
• Reputable tree surgeons can be found online or by contacting a relevant professional body such as the Arboricultural Association.

Privately-owned woodland

Woodland in private ownership is also subject to protection under the Forestry Act. Before undertaking any works in woodland you should check with the Forestry Commission.

Tree Management Policy

Our Tree Management Policy (together with the Tree Inspection Procedures) brings all tree management issues together and explains:

• how we manage risks associated with trees
• how we inspect trees in our ownership or that we have responsibility for
• how we maintain our trees and prioritise work
• how we deal with service requests from the public and our approach to common management issues and damage caused by trees
• how we deal with vandalism to trees and antisocial behaviour relating to them
• what powers we have over trees on private land
• what good arboricultural practice is in relation to tree works
• our approach to planting new trees and woodlands
• how we deal with trees affected by development
• how we deal with Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas

You can view the documents at:

• Tree Management Policy (PDF) [1MB]
• Tree Inspection Procedures (PDF) [754KB]