We are committed to investigating and addressing various tree-related issues that may pose a risk or concern.
The details below outline what we will investigate, and the situations where we will not.
What we will investigate
- Holes or cavities in trees
- Trees that are dead, rotten, or diseased
- Presence of fungi, fruiting bodies, or mushrooms on trees
- Broken or hanging trunks, stems, limbs, or branches
- Fallen or blown over trees
- Identification and mitigation of trip hazards caused by trees
- Removal of deadwood from trees
- Dealing with failing, failed, or split trunks, stems, limbs, or branches
- Trees or branches obstructing signs, road views, footpaths, or blocking streetlights
- Trimming low-hanging branches or crown over paths, or roads from highways trees
- Repairing wind or storm damage to trees in the highway
- Responding to cases of vandalism against highways trees
- Assessing and addressing tree damage caused by vehicles
- Investigating highways trees suspected of contributing to building subsidence
- Resolving physical damage to property caused by highways trees
Report an issue
To report any of these issues please use our highways fault reporting tool. Reports will be assessed within 10 working days.
What we will not investigate
In certain situations we cannot intervene unless they pose a health and safety risk. Issues will be handled in accordance with our tree policy.
- Trees blocking light: We understand that trees may cast shadows or reduce natural light in gardens or properties. Pruning cannot manage this.
- Trees overhanging gardens: Trees naturally extend into neighbouring land, which some may find undesirable. Property owners have the right to prune overhanging branches up to their boundary line. Please ensure that the tree is not protected before pruning.
- Trees growing too big: Each tree species has its own growth characteristics,. We do not prune trees solely based on opinions about their height, width, or size.
- Trees blocking views: Pruning a tree solely based on the opinion that it blocks a view from a specific point within a dwelling is not within our scope.
- Trees blocking TV signal: We do not prune trees that interfere with TV or satellite signals. We recommend contacting your network provider or considering a signal booster to resolve the issue.
- Trees interfering with telephone lines: If a council tree affects your telephone signal, please contact your phone provider for help.
- Leaves falling into gardens: Falling leaves are a seasonal occurrence that cannot be managed through tree pruning. We do not offer leaf collection services.
- Squirrels causing problems: We cannot control wildlife accessing properties through trees.
- Birds causing mess: Birds roosting or perching in trees is a natural phenomenon. We do not prune trees for this reason. Consider other practical measures to address the issue.
- Sap or residue on property: Tree sap, sticky residue, and aphid secretions are seasonal nuisances. These cannot be managed through pruning or tree removal.
- Pollen, allergies, hay fever: Trees naturally produce pollen. We do not prune trees based on pollen-related reasons or allergies.
- Insects attracted to trees: Trees are part of the environment's ecological cycle and attract various insects. We do not manage trees based on naturally occurring ecological connections.
- Climbing trees: Some trees may attract climbers. We cannot manage or prevent individuals from climbing trees. Contact your local community police officer if you perceive it as a risk or anti-social behaviour.
- Dropping berries, blossoms, seeds, etc: Trees produce seasonal bioproducts that may cause temporary inconveniences.
- Tree roots and drainage systems: We do not cut, remove, or prune tree roots to prevent them from entering damaged drainage systems.
Tree Preservation Order (TPO)
To find out if a tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), please follow the links below to your local city or district council.
