Things that the council is responsible for
- removal of tree stumps alongside public roads, unless left in place for safety reasons
- repairing damage to roads caused by tree roots surfacing
- protecting council-owned trees using Tree Preservation Orders
- the removal of leaf fall, fallen fruit and flowers, such as crab apples and tree blossom (street cleaning information)
- carrying out a 24-hour tree management emergency service if it’s causing a hazard
- safety surveys and inspections of roadside trees on a regular basis
- the removal of nuisances, such as publicly-owned trees interfering with buildings
- the removal of dying or dangerous trees
- tree limbs which cause an obstruction to road signs, traffic lights, etc.
- asking land owners to trim back private trees or hedges if they cause an obstruction to public roads or pavements
Things that the council isn't responsible for
- cutting back trees or hedges on private land
- pruning or removing trees in relation to minor matters – such as light obstruction, TV reception, improving a view or to allow easier access to driveways
- attending to minor nuisances, such as sticky sap, honeydew, birds' nests
- removing roots unless it’s proven that they’re causing damage to drains or structures
- removing limbs or debris from trees growing on private land. If it causes an obstruction on the road, we’ll charge the owner for the work
If you believe a publicly-owned tree is causing damage to your property:
- contact your insurer for an independent expert’s report
- for a compensation claim to be successful, you must provide evidence of the cause of the alleged damage
Reporting problems with trees
You can report probems with trees by roads and branches that are blocking pavements.
Report a problem with a tree by a road or pavement
Tree planting and adopting a tree
Due to budget restrictions, we can’t always replace felled trees. However, anybody that wishes to plant a tree in the verge outside their property can now ‘adopt’ a tree.