Staff and contractors are continuing with the clear up operation of street and park trees, prioritising those that are potentially dangerous or disruptive to residents and visitors.
A lot of work has already been done, but there is still more to do and it may yet be a number of weeks for the clear up operation to be completed and that is assuming there aren’t further extreme weather events in the meantime.
Please be cautious around damaged trees - windthrown and storm damaged trees can be unpredictable and unstable, so do not enter any taped off areas or closed footpaths that have been closed off for safety.
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
What should I do if I spot signs of Ash Dieback on a council-owned tree?
If you spot signs of Ash Dieback on a council owned tree (in a park, by the side of a road or in a woodland area) there is no need to do anything. Our dedicated tree team completes regular inspections of all our tree stock and may already be aware of it.
Reporting problems with trees
You can report problems 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
The council launched and approved a Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow strategy in July 2020 after a consultation period.