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
- sweeping and cleaning the streets to prevent excessive leaf fall and fruit causing a nuisance (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, leaf fall or the dropping of fruit or flowers
- 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
Report a problem with a tree on the road
Concern about overhanging branches
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.
Tree planting is usually carried out from October to December, when trees are dormant, as this is more likely to give a young tree the best chance of survival.